Dec 26, 2024, 7:05 PM
Dec 26, 2024, 6:46 PM

Haiti’s health minister ousted following deadly gang attack on hospital

Tragic
Highlights
  • On December 24, 2024, a gang attack in Port-au-Prince led to the deaths of two journalists and injuries to seven others.
  • The attack occurred during a press event organized by the health ministry at the General Hospital.
  • In response to the incident, Haiti's health minister Duckenson Lorthe was removed from his position, highlighting increasing concerns over journalist safety and gang violence.
Story

Haiti has been grappling with severe gang violence for years, culminating in a tragic incident where two journalists were killed and several others wounded while covering the reopening of the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince. This attack occurred on December 24, 2024, in a climate where gangs have taken control over significant areas, targeting institutions and people indiscriminately. The incident has received widespread condemnation, with officials emphasizing the threat it poses not just to journalists but also to the very foundations of society. In the wake of the attack, the Haitian government removed Duckenson Lorthe from his role as health minister. Reportedly, his office had invited the press to the hospital, but security was notably lacking at the site, raising questions about the planning and authorization for the event. This incident highlights the broader context of media vulnerability in Haiti, where impunity for crimes against journalists is alarmingly high. The Committee to Protect Journalists has noted heinous levels of violence against media personnel, with Haiti being ranked the worst region globally for the impunity regarding journalist killings. As gang violence escalated after the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gangs have increasingly asserted control over much of the capital and its institutions. The coalition of gangs responsible for the attack, Viv Ansanm, has posted video claiming that they did not authorize the hospital's reopening, showcasing their sway over what should be public and safe spaces. They have staged attacks against civilians and authorities alike, making it extraordinarily dangerous for anyone, including journalists, to operate in this environment. The tragic loss of Marckendy Natoux, a dedicated journalist who worked for the Clarion of America (VOA) Creole Service, has sparked outrage and sorrow within the media community. Natoux was remembered for his commitment to his family and his profession and left behind a widow and two children. These attacks not only represent a personal loss to his family and colleagues but reflect a critical failure in maintaining safety and security for those reporting on vital public health and societal issues. Calls for increased protection and justice echo loudly, emphasizing a national crisis where violence against journalists must be addressed to restore some semblance of order and safety in Haiti.

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