27472: Hermantin(News)Arrests haven't stopped (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

lhermantin@hotmail.com

Haiti




South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board

February 4, 2006



ISSUE: Arrests haven't stopped

attacks in Haiti.

Haitians face a critical election next week. Unfortunately, the voting will 
take place in an inhospitable climate of violence and fear.

The interim government led by Prime Minister Gerard Latortue, and backed by the 
United States and a United Nations peacekeeping force, has been unable to stem 
vengeance killings and attacks since the 2004 ouster of President Jean-Bertrand 
Aristide. It has failed to do this despite the arrests and detentions of at 
least 1,800 people.

One of the best-known detainees is Gerard Jean-Juste, a priest who for many 
years advocated for rights and fair treatment of Haitian refugees in South 
Florida and the United States. Jean-Juste was "temporarily" released last week 
for health reasons.

The government justifies the jailings, saying it suspects the detainees have 
had a hand in some attacks. Human rights groups charge many have been 
incarcerated due to their political beliefs and alliances.

What's clear is the policy of grab-and-hold has failed to quell violence, or 
produce justice for victims. With the election days away, it's time for this 
terribly divided and violence-torn society to take a giant step toward peace 
and reconciliation.

The Haitian government should release Jean-Juste, and those in detention who 
have not been charged with crimes despite months of imprisonment and a paucity 
of solid evidence that they committed wrongdoing.

The mass detentions have only sown more discord and bitterness across Haiti, 
and that anger and resentment could undermine the election. If that happens, it 
would deal Haitians another terrible setback.

The election must yield a legitimate and respected government if Haiti is to 
move toward progress and peace. The voting offers more hope for progress than 
vindictiveness.

BOTTOM LINE: Government should release those unfairly arrested.


Copyright © 2006, South Florida Sun-Sentinel