12512: Haiti: Amnesty International press release - Gonaives (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Max Blanchet <MaxBlanchet@worldnet.att.net>

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE


AI Index:       AMR 36/009/2002    (Public)
News Service No:         120
12 July 2002

  Haiti: Steps toward the rule of law


The arrest on 2 July of political activist Amio Metayer, in connection
with alleged acts of violence committed in the wake of last December's
attack by unidentified gunmen on the National Palace, is an indication of
the will of the Haitian government to enforce the rule of law under
difficult circumstances, Amnesty International said today.

        "Police and justice officials now require support if they are to
fully investigate the claims against Amio Metayer and determine the
truthfulness of the allegations against him," the organization said.

     Supporters of Amio Metayer have been staging violent
demonstrations throughout the week in Gonaives, and have threatened
more violence if he is not released.  In the course of this week's
demonstrations, the Gonaives customs house was burned down and several
people were reportedly injured in unclear circumstances.  Amio Metayer has
himself called for calm, and for an end to the violence. On Wednesday he
was transferred to the Gonaives prison, and his case is under review by
justice officials there.

        "In addition to ensuring that the investigation into the
allegations against Amio Metayer continues with full guarantees of due
process, the Haitian authorities have the responsibility to investigate
acts of violence committed by all parties in the days following his arrest
and to bring those responsible to justice," the organization added. It
reminded the Haitian National Police of its obligations to respect
international codes of conduct regarding law enforcement in dealing with
demonstrators.

        The arrest of Amio Metayer followed the publication of a report on
the 17 December attack and its aftermath by an investigative team of the
Organization of American States. The report had urged that all those
implicated in the December violence be prosecuted without delay.



Public Document
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