PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- A devastating gang attack on the reopening of the General Hospital on Christmas Eve has left two journalists dead and several others wounded, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by members of the press in Haiti.
The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday as journalists gathered to cover the reopening of the facility, which had been closed due to gang violence earlier this year. Compounding the tragedy, both journalists, identified as Jimmy Jean and Markenzy Nathoux, were killed during the shooting, which also claimed the life of a police officer.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted, sending journalists scrambling for safety. Jephte Bazil, a reporter present at the scene, recounted, "They shot at us. Some went down. They were hit by the bullets." Video footage circulating on social media showed bloodied bodies and journalists injured on the floor as chaos ensued inside the hospital.
The attack has drawn outrage from various organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which released statements condemning the violence. According to CPJ spokespersons, such attacks on reporters conducting their duties are unacceptable and call for immediate justice for the victims. "We send deepest condolences to the families of those killed and call on Haitian authorities to swiftly bring these killers to justice," the CPJ spokesperson remarked.
The responsibility for the horrific attack was claimed by Johnson 'Izo' André, leader of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, who stated in a video message posted on social media, "The opening of the hospital was not authorized by us." This highlights the extent to which gang control has infiltrated not only the neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince but also the institutions meant to provide health services.
The Haitian government has expressed its horror at the shooting. An official statement described the incident as "an unacceptable assault on the very foundations of our society," highlighting the urgent need to restore order. During his address to the nation, interim President Leslie Voltaire extended his sympathies to the victims’ families and vowed the incident would not go unpunished.
Gang violence has escalated significantly, with recent reports indicating over 5,350 people killed due to conflicts between gangs just this year. The circumstances surrounding this attack exemplify the dangerous reality where nearly 85% of Port-au-Prince falls under gang control, severely compromising public safety and stability.
The reopening of the General Hospital was attended with hope, following months of closure due to violence. Authorities had previously vowed to restore services, yet the incident reflects the overwhelming threats posed by gangs. The hospital, the largest public facility in Haiti, has faced severe operational challenges, leading to health systems collapsing as violence and looting persist.
Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe Blema had scheduled the reopening ceremony as part of efforts to reclaim control of healthcare institutions. Sadly, the day turned disastrous as the announcement of restored health services quickly turned to tragedy.
Local media associations have rallied together, stressing the urgency for protective measures for journalists. Robest Dimanche, spokesperson for Haiti’s Online Media Collective, confirmed the tragedy, stating, "The attackers are from the coalition of the Viv Ansanm gangs," and underscoring the growing risk faced by media workers.
Videos posted online showed the aftermath of the shooting, with lifeless bodies covered on stretchers, underscoring the brutal reality of gang violence. Witnesses expressed their shock and sorrow over the attacks on the very people tasked with reporting the news.
The violent events have provoked national and international calls for action against the gangs terrorizing communities. The Haitian public is reeling from yet another attack, leaving many to ponder if any semblance of safety can be restored to the streets of Port-au-Prince.
This recent attack on journalists marks the latest chapter of violence against press members, with Haiti witnessing several assaults on media professionals this past year. Similar incidents have raised alarms about the environments journalists are forced to navigate, prompting calls for enhanced security measures.
The humanitarian repercussions of this surge in violence extend beyond immediate casualties, adversely affecting healthcare systems already beleaguered by conflict. The violence has led to overcrowded hospitals, malnutrition, and increased susceptibility to diseases such as cholera, particularly during the rainy season.
Public sentiment is growing against the backdrop of ever-increasing reports of kidnappings, sexual violence, and the routine targeting of healthcare workers. The U.S. and local authorities share the responsibility for addressing the humanitarian crisis alongside rising crime rates.
The tragic events of Tuesday serve as both a reminder of the urgent need to restore order and protect journalists as they confront the grim realities of covering news within one of the world's most dangerous contexts. Only time will reveal the extent of the government's resolve to tackle this unprecedented crisis.
For now, the families of the fallen journalists grieve, and the country watches, hoping for change amid the remnants of chaos and tragedy.
