Michel-Ange Gédéon, the Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH) "strongly condemns the acts of violence occured in Beaumont, Dichiti, Corail and this week in Limonade, where loss of human life, including the assassination of two police officers and the burning of several public buildings, including of police stations were registered [...]"

He explains that "It is true that in some cases the incident that triggers this popular fury is due to a disproportionate use of force. However, the resulting damage caused too much suffering to the community," recalling that the Laws of the Republic lay down in detail the procedures to be followed when a violation of criminal legislation is established.

Thus, article 88 of the Code of Criminal Instruction stipulates that in cases of flagrancy, any citizen may carry out basic police acts, in particular identifying the suspect, prosecuting him, apprehending him or help apprehending him. But, never, it must replace the judicial authorities to apply any penalty.

Michel-Ange Gédéon informs that "The outcome of each of the investigations in progress will be communicated shortly to the competent authorities with a view to shedding light on these files so that all the guilty parties are punished in accordance with the law."

While deploring these actions which do not in any way makes advance the cause of justice and democracy, he reiterates his determination "not to tolerate, in any form, these barbarous acts."

HL/ HaitiLibre