PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – A popular radio journalist was shot and killed late on Monday night as Haitians continued their protest demanding the removal of President Jovenel Moise from office over allegations of mis-use of funds associated with the PetroCaribe, an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment.
Police confirmed that Rospide Pétion, who worked for Radio Sans Fin, was shot to death in the capital.
The radio station had earlier come under attack by protesters and director general of the ministry of communications, Calvin Cadet, has called for protection of journalists, condemning also the attack against Radio Télé Ginen and another reporter, Richardson Jourdan, who works for the state-owned Télévision Nationale d’Haïti.
The radical opposition “Democratic and Popular,” which is among those organising the demonstrations, said since June 9, at least seven people have been killed and 147 wounded, while 70 others have been arrested.
But the police have said that two people were killed, four others wounded and 12 arrests made as a result of the protest that followed the release of the 612 page report of the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation (CSC/CA) on the management of projects financed by PetroCaribe,
The Mexican Embassy Monday said that its consular section had been closed and told persons with a consular appointment that they will be accommodated upon a return to normalcy in the country.
The French Embassy which was hit by several stones, said that the main barrier to the compound, was set on fire.
France had earlier urged its nationals to stay away from the French Caribbean country saying “it is advisable as far as possible to postpone your arrival”.
The protesters have been blocking roads with burning tires, and on Monday set vehicles belonging to a radio station ablaze. They also chased down a presidential police backup unit they accused of firing on a crowd and killing a motorcycle driver. (CMC)
