December 25th 2024.
Tragedy struck in Haiti as two reporters lost their lives and several others were injured in a brutal gang attack. The incident occurred during the reopening of Port-au-Prince's largest public hospital, which had been forced to close earlier this year due to the control of street gangs. Despite authorities' promises to reopen the facility on Christmas Eve, the event was marred by violence as suspected gang members opened fire on journalists who had gathered to cover the event.
According to Robest Dimanche, a spokesperson for the Online Media Collective, the journalists killed in the attack were identified as Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. Dimanche also revealed that an unspecified number of reporters had been injured in the attack, which he attributed to the Viv Ansanm coalition of gangs. The Haitian Association of Journalists confirmed the deaths of two reporters and a police officer, as well as seven reporters wounded in what they described as a "macabre scene comparable to terrorism."
In an address to the nation, interim president Leslie Voltaire expressed condolences to the victims of the attack, including journalists and police officers. However, he did not provide specific information on the number of casualties. The government later released a statement condemning the attack and promising a firm response.
Disturbing footage posted online showed the chaos inside the hospital, with reporters trapped and injured on the floor. The lifeless bodies of two men, one of whom was wearing a press credential, can also be seen in the video. While initial reports stated that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded, authorities were unable to confirm these numbers.
The violence in Haiti has been escalating, with street gangs controlling a vast majority of Port-au-Prince and targeting important institutions like the main international airport and the country's largest prisons. The Viv Ansanm coalition, led by gang leader Johnson "Izo" André, has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they did not authorize the reopening of the hospital.
Sadly, this is not the first time that journalists have been targeted in Haiti. In 2023, two local reporters were killed within weeks of each other, highlighting the dangers faced by those in the media industry. The state of Haiti's healthcare system has also been severely affected by the violence, with hospitals and pharmacies being looted and destroyed. As a result, there has been a surge in patients and a shortage of resources to treat them.
The situation in Haiti is dire, with the healthcare system on the brink of collapse and the ongoing rainy season posing a risk for water-borne diseases like cholera. The poor living conditions in makeshift settlements have also increased the likelihood of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, the Haitian people continue to persevere, with organizations like UNICEF working tirelessly to provide aid and support. Stay informed on the latest news and updates on Haiti by downloading the 9News app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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