The Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN) strongly condemns the police violence perpetrated by members of the Departmental Unit for Maintenance of Order (UDMO) on the night of 17 to 18 August in Petit Goâve, during the closing activities of the Festival Notre-Dame of Petit-Goâve https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-11850-haiti-security-panic-at-festival-notre-dame-of-petit-goave-heavy-toll-update-6h24am.html which caused 43 injuries, including two by shot. Two people are still hospitalized.

A commission of inquiry by the Inspector General in Chief of the National Police was formed immediately after the incident. Several people were auditioned. According to information received at CSPN, one of the officers UDMO accused of shooting into the crowd would be on the run to the United States. Contacts have already been established with the American authorities for his arrest and repatriation. The General Inspectorate of the National Police examines the case of this offending police officer, that it will treat with the utmost rigor.

The CSPN reiterates that "the state will not tolerate police violence. Formal instructions were passed to ensure that, firstly, the perpetrators are punished according to the law and regulations of the National Police, and secondly, that they are not repeated."

In the meantime. Our correspondent in Petit-Goâve, informs us that on Friday, residents of Petit-Goâve chanting hostile words to the local authorities, accompanied by the merchant victims of looting and supported by opposition leaders, took the streets to demand justice and compensation following the incidents last Sunday.

The protest ended without incident front the office of Deputy Stevenson Jacques Thimoléon and protesters have promised to take to the streets again on Monday. Small merchant who had lost all took advantage of this opportunity to ask the authorities for financial support.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-11850-haiti-security-panic-at-festival-notre-dame-of-petit-goave-heavy-toll-update-6h24am.html

HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goâve)