University of Ethnology Students Battle Police Over Student Killing

Angered by the killing, Ethnology students assembled to demonstrate. When the HNP arrived, they set fire to a classroom, burning everything in it. They also fired at length on the demonstrators to scatter them.

The HNP, a corrupt law-enforcement agency, has been infiltrated by former military officers of the Haitian National Army (HNA), whose ultimate aim is a government take-over. The HNP is infamous for perpetrating human-rights abuses while the GOH looks the other way. The HNP operates as if it were still under the control of François Duvalier, terrorist president of the 1950s and 60s.

HNP's paranoia extends to any instance of democratic activity, however benign. Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's recent re-emergence into the public eye drew enthusiastic supporters and a battalion of HNP officers, who used night-sticks to beat back crowds that had come to see their leader. It would not be surprising to hear some blood was shed.

HNP's behavior suggests Haiti still has remnants of a military government in its midst. Although the HNA disbanded years ago, it continues to obstruct the development of democracy. Haiti is always at risk of a military takeover.

Reply to this article

Read more: Education, Police Brutality, Student, University of Ethnology, Education

« First North Administrative Complex Part of De-Centralization Initiative | Main | Aristide Foundation for Democracy Promotes Social-Justice Principles »

Return to Articles List

Our objective is to share with you news and information about Haiti and the people of Haiti. Traditions, habits and the way we were  or  grew are alive in this site. We highly recommend that you Subscribe to our Newsletter and also share with us some of the things that are memorable and made us unique people.