Congresswoman Waters Urges President Bush to Ensure That
the Interim Government of Haiti Protects Imprisoned Government Officials

November 12, 2004

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) sent a letter to President Bush, urging him to take action to protect Prime Minister Yvon Neptune, Interior Minister Jocelerme Privert and other Lavalas supporters whose lives appear to be in danger in Haiti. Copies of the letter were sent to Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. The text of the letter follows:

"I write to express my grave concerns about possible plots to assassinate Lavalas officials and supporters who are currently imprisoned in Haiti. I urge you to take immediate action to protect Prime Minister Yvon Neptune, Interior Minister Jocelerme Privert and other Lavalas supporters whose lives appear to be in danger.

"According to press reports, several Haitian police officers are now under investigation over a suspected plot to kill imprisoned Lavalas supporters, including Prime Minister Neptune and Interior Minister Privert. Both ministers served in the government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and were arrested during the months following his ouster. Police authorities in Haiti refused to comment on the reports regarding the plot to kill Lavalas supporters, and the officers suspected in this plot have not been taken into custody.

"Since the ouster of President Aristide on February 29, 2004, I have written several letters to Secretary of State Colin Powell concerning the increasing violence in Haiti and the persecution and imprisonment of Haitians who served in President Aristide's government or who support the Lavalas party.

"On October 27, 2004, I was joined by thirty other Members of Congress in a letter to Secretary Powell urging him to call for the release of Prime Minister Neptune, Interior Minister Privert, Senator Yvon Feuillé, Deputy Rudy Hérivaux, Father Gerard Jean-Juste, Anne Auguste (So Anne), and other political prisoners who are unlawfully detained in Haiti. All of these individuals remain in prison in Haiti without justification and under intolerable conditions. Unfortunately, we have not received any response to our letter.

"I implore you to intervene with the interim government of Haiti to save the lives of Prime Minister Neptune, Interior Minister Privert, and other Lavalas supporters whose lives appear to be in danger. The United States must not stand by idly while former government leaders are assassinated in a country with a government that is supported by the United States. Please take all steps necessary to protect Lavalas officials and supporters, and contact me as soon as possible to discuss the steps being taken by your Administration to protect human rights in Haiti. I look forward to a prompt response."

Maxine Waters

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