Haiti journalist Kevin Pina threatened by UN soldiers and SWAT units.
Haiti Information Project
May 19, 2005
Port au Prince (HIP) - Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of
Haiti's capital May 18 to demand the return of President Jean-Bertrand
Aristide and freedom for political prisoners. The U.N. provided
security for the march but allowed SWAT units of the Haitian police to
enter the otherwise peaceful demonstration with automatic weapons
drawn.
HIP reporters on the scene were threatened as they attempted to film the
SWAT members wearing black ski masks to hide their identities. These
same units of the Haitian police have been responsible for human rights
violations in the past that include killing unarmed demonstrators on
Feb. 28 and April 27. To date, not a single officer of the Haitian
police has received a reprimand or been charged with a crime in these
high profile murders. This has led to charges the U.N. is helping to
cover-up the killings and is providing unqualified support to a police
force that is seen by many as widely corrupt and out of control.
The role of the U.N., particularly the Brazilians leading the so-called
"peacekeeping" mission, was documented today when they threatened HIP
Editor and American journalist Kevin Pina with arrest. Pina had been
filming members of a Haitian SWAT team despite their objections and
verbal threats. Another videographer captured Pina on tape as he
challenged the police to explain why they were afraid to be filmed
despite the fact they could not be identified under black ski masks.
Pina continued by demanding the police explain why U.N. Ambassador Juan
Gabriel Valdes had assured the press they could operate freely in Haiti
two weeks ago during a speech on International World Press Freedom Day.
Pina asked, "Was Valdes mouthing pretty words because obviously I am not
doing anything illegal by filming you. I am just doing my job of
bringing news to the world of your role in Haiti. Why are you afraid to
be filmed? Why do you hide behind those frightening masks while you
carry those huge guns? How is this camera a threat to you or
interfering in your work? Explain that to me because I am the one who
should be frightened here. If you decide to shoot me no one will know
who you are." A Brazilian soldier intervened and demanded Pina turn off
his video camera. The journalist responded, "No. I have every right to
keep my camera rolling, as long it does not interfere with you or the
police. I refuse to stop because I am doing nothing wrong. Otherwise
arrest me for the crime of being a journalist." The Brazilian soldier
was caught on camera screaming back, "Fuck you! Fuck you!" Pina then
asked, "Is that the official diplomatic language the U.N. is using with
international journalists in Haiti today?"
The march continued up Delmas and crossed over to Lalue. As the march
descended towards the National Palace a U.N. jeep was seen stopping
Pina's vehicle as a Brazilian officer photographed him. Pina demanded
the officer identify himself and he refused. A tape recorder captured
the unidentified Brazilian officer as he stated, "You are always making
trouble for us. I have taken your picture and I am going to give it to
the Haitian police. They will get you."
As the march returned to Bel Air, a panic ensued as SWAT units began to
enter the neighborhood from the direction of Haiti's Cathedral. Pina,
a second cameraman and several Haitian radio journalists walked down to
the Cathedral where about 20 masked SWAT carrying M-14s and M-16s were
preparing to enter Bel Air. In an event witnessed by journalist Reed
Lindsay, the Haitian police demanded that Pina not videotape them and
one commander asked him exactly what his work is in Haiti? Pina showed
his press credentials and explained that people in the United States,
especially members of the U.S. Congress, want to understand the role of
the Haitian police.
As Pina continued filming, the SWAT unit literally ran from his camera
and left the scene. Pina added, "It's as if this camera is the sun and
they are vampires. What on earth do they have to hide? If they are not
doing anything wrong why should they be afraid of a press camera? How
many people have they already killed in cold-blood under the watchful
eyes of the U.N. and not a single one of them has ever been prosecuted
for a crime? Look how despite this, the U.N. is still willing to
protect them from my camera and allow them into these demonstrations.
If there was no violence today it had less to do with the security of
the U.N. and more to do with the courage of the press." Journalist Reed
Lindsay commented, "What was striking was that there was no UN presence
monitoring these guys when they entered Bel Air. I was struck by number
of SWAT who seemed like they were moving into Bel Air and towards the
peaceful demonstration. I can't say for sure what they were doing there
but I can't imagine they had any other objective then to fire at the
demonstration. Without the presence of Pina and other journalists on
the scene who knows what would have happened."
Following the march, the Haitian police attacked demonstrators returning
to Cite Soleil. According to witnesses, Sanel Joseph was shot and killed
by the Haitian police for no apparent reason as he returned home from
the demonstration. No U.N. security presence or U.N. police monitors
were present as the police opened fire.
At about 8 p.m., SWAT units entered the Petion-Ville market place and
began shooting indiscriminately and were seen dragging a taxi driver
out of his car and placing a gun to his head. A nearby restaurant owner
lamented, "They don't need a reason. They don't want respect from the
people. They want fear. They think that if they don't shoot somebody
then people won't continue being afraid of them. They value fear more
than respect."