Radio Television Caraibes En Direct: Arson Attack on Haitian Broadcaster

Haitian authorities must swiftly and thoroughly investigate the February 23, 2020 arson attack on Radio Télévision Caraïbes, a prominent Haitian radio and television station located in Port-au-Prince. A group of masked individuals, armed and claiming to be Haitian National Police officers, stormed the station during a police protest over pay and working conditions. The attackers set fire to vehicles, smashed windows, and destroyed broadcasting equipment, forcing the station off the air.

The attack occurred amidst widespread protests by Haitian National Police officers, who were demonstrating for improved pay and working conditions. These protests included the firing of weapons and vandalism of government property. Radio Télévision Caraïbes was broadcasting live coverage of these protests when the attack took place.

According to the station’s director of programming, Marc Anderson Bregard, the attackers claimed affiliation with the protesting police officers. While no one was injured during the incident, the damage to the station’s facilities was significant, interrupting its broadcasting capabilities.

The director of the Haitian National Police, Normil Rameau, has reportedly assured the station that an investigation will be conducted. Radio Télévision Caraïbes has since resumed broadcasting. The Port-au-Prince police station confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been initiated. This attack underscores the dangerous environment faced by journalists in Haiti, where violence against the press is a serious concern.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for a thorough investigation into the attack and for those responsible to be held accountable. The potential involvement of police officers in this attack raises grave concerns about the safety of journalists and the freedom of the press in Haiti. The CPJ, along with Reporters Without Borders, had previously contacted Haitian authorities in November 2019 regarding attacks on journalists, urging them to take action to protect the press. This recent attack on Radio Télévision Caraïbes further highlights the urgent need for the Haitian government to address the ongoing violence and threats against journalists in the country. A full and transparent investigation is crucial to ensure accountability and to prevent future attacks on the media.