Haiti News

Homicides in Haiti more than doubled last year as the Caribbean nation faced a worsening “multidimensional crisis,” with gangs using kidnappings and sexual violence to steadily gain territory, a UN report said Tuesday.

The authorities said Monday no information or a ransom demand has been made public regarding the release of the eight people, including the six nuns, who were kidnapped here last Friday.

Monsignor Dumas, has condemned the abduction “with vigour and firmness this final odious and barbaric act which does not even respect the dignity of these consecrated women who give themselves wholeheartedly to God to educate and train the young, the most poor and vulnerable in our society”.

The identity of the assailants remains unknown, but the incident is a chilling reminder of the rampant lawlessness that plagues the city, with gangs said to control an estimated 80% of the area.

This besieged neighbourhood, known to house a significant number of police officers, is gripped by fear as the violence threatens to engulf the entire city.

“Disturbingly and despite our filing an immigration detainer, this individual was released back into the community by the criminal court,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons.

UNICEF said four people, including two girls under the age of 10, were killed in the attack, which occurred in the Croix de Bouquet district. It said four other family members were kidnapped.

The police force has been tasked to equip its Haitian counterparts with the knowledge necessary to handle the security issues plaguing the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state.