Haiti: PEN International and PEN Haiti condemn the murder of journalist Dumesky Kersaint

19 April: PEN International and PEN Haiti are deeply concerned by the escalating violence in cities such as Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. The killing and kidnapping of several people over the past few days, including a journalist, demonstrates the lack of rule of law. The grave security situation must urgently be addressed, and those responsible brought to justice.

Between Thursday 13 and Sunday 16 April 2023, the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince inHaiti experienced a violent wave of murders and kidnappings, according to information published by the online agency AlterPresse. Young journalist Dumesky Kersaint was killed by gunmen in the early hours of Sunday, while covering gang violence in Carrefour, Commune in the West Department of Haiti.

"The deterioration of freedom of expression is the consequence of a country in democratic decline. Haitians have shown courage and bravery in their struggle to defend basic human rights. Today we condemn and deplore the murder of journalist Dumesky Kersaint and renew our call for peace in Haiti and the restoration of rule of law," said Ma Thida, President of the Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International.

Dumesky Kersaint worked for Radio Téle INUREP and its Facebook page, where he covered demonstrations organised by different social groups. "We condemn the climate of tolerated and fuelled violence that led to the journalist's death," said the National Association of Haitian Media (ANMH).

"Since 2022, we have witnessed an increase in cases of violence and killings of journalists. It is proof that the Haitian State has emptied itself of all power and the economy is in total deficit, except when it has to repress the population. Attacking journalists who do their job is displacing the problem, said Ethson Otilien, General Secretary of PEN Haiti.

According to preliminary reports, Kersaint witnessed a crime and was killed by two unknown men. Since 2022, at least five journalists have been killed in Haiti while carrying out their work.

PEN International and PEN Haiti condemn Kersaint 's murder and call on the state to investigate the crime, determine if there was any link to his profession, and ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.