The International Press Institute is extremely concerned about the safety of a Haitian journalist who has been unjustly criticised by the Haitian Prime Minister.

On 23 January, the press office of Prime Minister Gerald Latortue issued a statement quoting the prime minister as saying that a recent report from Reuters’ correspondent, Guyler Delva, was a “shameful machination” and that Delva “does not miss an opportunity to provide disinformation about Haiti, and basically preaches to his own political clique.” Latortue then went on to question Delva’s ethics and those of the journalism profession.

Besides working for Reuters, Delva is also the head of the Haitian Journalists’ Association. He has a long history of defending human rights and democracy in Haiti and has often criticised both the government and opposition parties. In addition to this attack, Delva has also received death threats.

At present, there is considerable concern for the safety of Haitian journalists. On 14 January, police in the Village de Dieu sector of Port-au-Prince killed radio reporter Abidias Jean. He was allegedly killed after witnessing the execution of three children during a police raid on the area. At least a dozen people were killed in the raid. Police claim they were involved in an exchange of gunfire with “bandits.”

There have also been a spate of other press freedom violations. Also in January, supporters of the former Prime Minister Jean-Bertrand Aristide attacked two journalists from Le Nouvelliste, Claude Bernard Serant and Jonel Just. In addition, police recently confiscated material from Tele Ginen journalist Harry Francillon.

“Given the extreme tensions that exist in Haiti at present I am fearful that the comments by Prime Minister Gerald Latortue have endangered Guyler Delva’s life. The prime minister must surely be aware of the recent death of a journalist in Haiti, as well as the other assaults on journalists and I find it irresponsible of him to have criticised Delva in this manner, said IPI Director, Johann P. Fritz.

“Delva has already received death threats and these ill-timed and unjustified comments will appear to give official sanction to those threats.”

“Rather than criticising journalists, the prime minister should be adding his weight to the call for more investigations into the murders of journalists. It is well known that in Haiti the murderers of journalists escape with impunity and the prime minister should be doing everything possible to ensure that under his premiership this stops,” added Fritz.