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Haiti

Haitian journalist Wesly Renaud Jean abducted by armed men

"The Committee to Protect Journalists is calling on Haitian authorities to secure the release of veteran journalist Wesly Renaud Jean, who was abducted by armed men in Delmas 31 [neighborhood] on Sept. 6. In a statement released on Sept. 12, CPJ said that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom and provided proof of life by […]

Wounded Haitian journalist stuck in Cuba again faces medical impasse over unpaid government fees

"Journalist Jocelyn Justin, who survived a violent armed attack […] in downtown Port-au-Prince on Dec. 24, 2024, has spent more than a year receiving medical treatment in Cuba. After suffering severe jaw injuries when he was struck in the face by a projectile, Justin underwent multiple surgeries as part of a lengthy recovery process. He […]

Two Haitian journalists die violently in last four days

"Two Haitian sports journalists have died violently in separate incidents over the past four days, under circumstances yet to be clarified by authorities, amidst the worsening security crisis that has gripped the country for years. Journalist Jean Brunet Bontemps and photojournalist Jean-Marc Stevenson Ysemai passed away last Friday [May 1] in Port-au-Prince, and on Monday […]

Families of 2 journalists kidnapped in gang-controlled area of Haiti plead for details

"The families of two Haitian journalists who were reported kidnapped last week pleaded Monday for information about them, with many fearing that gangs had killed them. Junior Célestin of Radio Television Megastar and Osnel Espérance of Radio Uni FM were reporting in downtown Port-au-Prince on Friday when they were taken, according to Radio Uni FM. […]

Two journalists kidnapped and media director’s home attacked within 24 hours in Haiti

Two Haitian journalists were abducted on Friday, March 13, in downtown Port-au-Prince by armed members of a gang. The victims, Osnel Espérance of Radio Uni FM and Junior Célestin of Radio Television Megastar, were kidnapped while reporting in the lower part of the capital, The Haitian Times reported. Their employers confirmed the double abduction, which […]

Haitian journalist wounded in 2024 appeals for help after surgery in Cuba

"Haitian journalist Jocelyn Justin is going through a particularly difficult time after undergoing surgery on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Havana, Cuba. Shot more than a year earlier in Port-au-Prince, he underwent the procedure at the Cira García Central Clinic in the Cuban capital, thanks to delayed funding from the Haitian government estimated at $4,600. […]

Decree sets jail time and stiff fines for Haitian journalists, digital distributors

"A Transitional Presidential Council (CPT, for its French acronym) decree establishing jail time and fines for Haitian journalists and digital media distributors has set off alarm bells across the country and abroad. Advocates for an open press and freedom of expression warn the directive opens the door to expanded state control over speech — all […]

Journalists fight for government transparency amid Haiti’s insecurity

"Violent attacks and threats waged by a coalition of militarized gangs are among the many risks Haitian journalists face to report the news amid intensifying insecurity in the country’s capital city, Port-au-Prince. Yet as a rotating cast of transitional leaders hope to restore order across the Caribbean nation, journalists say a lack of transparency and hostility […]

Haitian gang leader calls for Radio TV Caraibes journalist’s assassination

"In a widely disseminated social media video reviewed by [the Committee to Protect Journalists] (CPJ), [Jimmy ‘Barbecue’] Cherizier — leader of the 'Viv Ansamn' gang coalition that has laid siege to Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince — appeared to offer a $50,000 reward for [Radio TV Caraibes (RCTV) news host Ronald] Desormes’ life as he expressed […]

The IAPA condemns threats against Haitian journalist Joseph Guyler Delva

"The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today strongly condemned threats against the personal safety of Haitian journalist and press freedom advocate Joseph Guyler C. Delva, who was forced to suspend his professional activities amid escalating intimidation. Delva, secretary general of SOS Journalistes Haiti and IAPA vice chair of the Committee on Freedom of the Press […]

Haiti press group calls on government to aid journalist awaiting surgery in Cuba

SOS Journalistes, a press freedom group in Haiti, said it is "scandalized" by authorities' inaction in the case of journalist Jocelyn Justin who is awaiting surgery in Cuba after he was seriously injured in a gang shooting while covering the re-opening of a hospital in Port-au-Prince on Dec. 24, 2024. In a press release, the […]

Haitian journalist injured in gang attack is stranded in Cuba without support

"SOS Journalistes strongly condemns the Haitian government's irresponsible decision to abandon a seriously injured journalist who is in Cuba receiving necessary medical care. The journalist is Jocelyn Justin, whose lower jaw was shattered by bullets fired by gangs during violent incidents on December 24, 2024, near the General Hospital. The attack left three people dead […]