Haiti - Politic : Threats against human rights defenders and journalists...
In a statement, the Government, after aving learned from the media, according to a note released by the Platform of Haitian Human Rights Organizations (POHDH) that threats would have been perpetrated against human rights defenders [including a death threat letter accompanied by a bullet, addressed to Pierre Esperance, executive director of the National Network for the Defence of Human Rights (RNDDH)] as well as against journalists, strongly condemns these acts of aggression :
"The Administration Martelly and Lamothe Government took note of the note of denunciation and condemn with the utmost rigor these dastardly methods. They invite the organizations defending human rights to file a complaint, to allow the holding of an investigation so that the real perpetrators of these threats are identified and prosecuted according to law.
The Administration Martelly and Lamothe Government, through the Office of the Delegate Minister for human rights and the fight against extreme poverty, remind to all their firm commitment to continue to strive for absolute respect of the right to the protection of citizens in the country as well as all other rights guaranteed by the constitution.
The construction of a rule of law in a democratic learning environment remains a difficult exercise; but the government wants to keep its serenity and lucidity so that continues the undeniable progress made in the field of human rights since his accession to power. The Government wishes to recall the fact that this progress has only been possible through the hard struggle that its has never ceased to lead for the establishment of the rule of law whose dream the whole society for so long. This can only be done in full respect of the right to truth and in social actions underway to ensure the social rights of underprivileged who live in extreme poverty.
The Government reiterates its fierce determination to ensure the protection of each without distinction. It is committed to supporting organizations defending human rights and members of the press in their quest for the truth so that they can safely continue their activities for the construction of this rule of law which should collaborate all vital sectors of national life."
