Haitians demand answers from police after gangs kill 47, kidnap more than 50 - NBC News
Haitian citizens are protesting against the National Police following a violent gang attack in Kenscoff that resulted in 47 deaths and over 50 kidnappings. Police officials have faced criticism for their lack of transparency and failure to prevent the violence.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the severe security crisis in Haiti and the growing public distrust in state institutions' ability to protect civilians from gang violence.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Haiti’s National Police are facing mounting criticism over why authorities failed to prevent a recent gang attack in which 47 people were killed and more than 50 kidnapped. Police spokesperson Garry Desrosiers took only a handful of questions from journalists at a news conference Thursday, just days after gangs attacked Kenscoff, a once-peaceful farming community nestled in the hills near Port-au-Prince. Asked what police are planning to do about those kidnapped, Desrosiers said he could not answer that question publicly. “We cannot talk about any plans,” he said. One gang leader has threatened to execute all the hostages if any gang members are killed as police work to secure Kenscoff. Desrosiers expressed condolences to all those affected by the violent attack launched late Sunday. New burst of violence leaves Haitians homeless More than 2,600 people were displaced, according to the U.N.
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