CONGRESSWOMAN WATERS EXPRESSES SHOCK AND OUTRAGE AT REPORTS OF SHOOTINGS OF PEACEFUL PROTESTERS IN HAITI; URGES SECRETARY OF STATE RICE TO INVESTIGATE

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release (323) 757-8900

February 28, 2005

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-35) sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, expressing shock and outrage at reports that police officers opened fire on unarmed demonstrators in Haiti earlier today and urging her to investigate these reports and ensure that the interim government of Haiti respects the rights of peaceful protesters and American observers. Copies of the letter were sent to President Bush and Ambassador James Foley, the U.S. Ambassador to Haiti. The text of the letter follows:

I am writing to express my shock and outrage about reports I have received that police officers opened fire on unarmed demonstrators in Haiti earlier today. 

According to these reports, a large nonviolent March for Democracy began in the center of Bel-Air around noon today. Thousands of people participated, marching and chanting to the beat of drums. MINUSTAH, United Nations security forces, and local and international media were present. About half an hour after the protest began, there were loud noises, and people began screaming and running for cover. Some people were seen carrying injured persons on their backs, and some witnesses reported seeing police in black uniforms, helmets and ski masks shooting into the crowds. According to preliminary reports, several people were shot, others were beaten, and at least one person was killed. Today’s violence follows a previous report I received that police shot more than fifteen people in cold blood in Bel-Air on Friday.

As you know, I wrote to you last week to warn you of the potential for acts of violence targeting peaceful protesters and American observers in Haiti during the final days of February. Today, I urge you to investigate these incidents fully and demand that the interim government of Haiti prosecute those found responsible for any human rights violations that may have occurred. I also plead with you to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the interim government respects the rights of Lavalas supporters and other peaceful protesters and American observers. 

Please contact me as soon as possible to discuss the escalation in violence that has occurred in Haiti over the past four days and explain the steps that you plan to take to ensure the restoration of peace, security and human rights to the people of Haiti. I await your response.

### ****** Forwarded by the Haitian Lawyers’ Leadership Network ******

“Men anpil chay pa lou” is Kreyol for – “Many hands make light a heavy load.”

See, The Haitian Leadership Networks’ 7 “Men Anpil Chay Pa Lou” campaigns to help restore Haiti’s independence, the will of the mass electorate and the rule of law. www.margueritelaurent.com/law/lawpress.html