|
 The
release of a number of high profile accused criminals
has been followed by a spike in crime, especially in the
capital’s northern suburbs.
On Apr. 17, the government stirred outrage when it
released Woodly Ethéart alias Sonson Lafamilia and Renel
Nelfort alias Renel le Récif, both of whom were accused
of kidnapping at least 17 people and netting some $1.49
million in ransoms. Although the Justice Ministry
feigned consternation, filed an appeal, and fired
prosecutor Kherson Darius Charles after the irregular
ruling, most Haitians believe that government
authorities orchestrated the release of Ethéart, who is
a long-time friend and business associate of President
Michel Martelly.
The release comes after over 300
alleged bandits were freed at the end of 2014 under the
pretext of a presidential pardon. Meanwhile, on Mar. 2,
Justice Minister Pierre Richard Casimir announced
“Operation Punch,” which aims to empty more prisoners
from Haiti’s overcrowded prisons.
The releases, both those planned
and done, seem to have spurred a crime wave. In the
towns of
Croix-des-Missions and Croix-des Bouquets north of
Port-au-Prince, gunmen have carried out a series of
attacks.
On the night of Apr. 22, gunmen
broke into the home of Francisque Denis, a merchant,
whom they murdered. The assailants then raped a girl,
stole money, and calmly left without any police
intervention.
Then on the evening of Apr. 25,
thugs attacked at least two orphanages. They raped
girls, beat up those running the orphanages, and stole
several valuables.
People feel that even the police
are afraid. When the police sometimes make arrests after
a crime, the bandits are often released a few days later
in front of everyone.
And sometimes, the police are the problem. On Apr. 26,
following a traffic accident, a counter-ambush team
(CAT) police officer named Mackenson Denis, assigned to
the National Palace, threatened with death Dr. François
Berthony, who was on duty at the Hospital of the State
University of Haiti (HUEH), commonly called the General
Hospital. After the accident, Officer Denis sought
back-up to get into the hospital in search of the
doctor. Policeman Evens Joseph, who was providing
security at the hospital, was disarmed and assaulted. |
