12 January 2005
Abdias Jean
Shooting
Haitian police killed radio WKAT journalist Abdias Jean and several youngsters during a raid in a slum stronghold of support for the country's ousted president, according to a Reuters report quoting witnesses and a human rights group.
Police acknowledged killing several people during the raid, and described them as bandits killed in an exchange of gunfire.
Ronald St-Jean, an activist with the Committee for the Protection of the Rights of the Haitian People, and several residents said at least a dozen people were killed, including Abdias Jean, who may have seen police shoot and kill three youngsters.
One witness, Magalie Jean, said that as she took cover, she heard Jean screaming, "Don't kill me, I am a journalist. Why should I be killed like that?" She told Reuters : "Then I heard a series of gunshots and it was over for him."
Jacques Vilbrun, who also said he witnessed the incident, said police severely beat Jean and then, "After beating him, they took him a little farther and shot him dead."
A police spokeswoman, Jessie Coicou, refused to confirm or deny the allegations and urged families to "file complaints before relevant courts of justice if they think they have a case."
She added: "The police don't have to defend themselves before the media. Since I heard there are several witnesses, I hope they will accept to testify before a judge."
