Cap-Haitien: Journalists Attacked After Broadcast, UJNH Denounces Authoritarian Drift

CAP-HAITIEN.— The Union of Journalists of Northern Haiti (UJNH) is speaking out after the brutal attack on several of its members, including journalists Herly Milien and Frensly Estimable, which occurred on Saturday, December 27, 2025, upon leaving the premises of Radio Souvenir FM, in Cap-Haitien.

The events reportedly took place after a review broadcast in which the journalists had participated. According to testimonies gathered by the UJNH, a police officer, accompanied by agents close to Cap-Haitien's deputy mayors, Patrick Almonor and Isaac Pierre-Louis, allegedly physically attacked the press professionals. The attack reportedly occurred in the presence of these municipal authorities and is believed to be linked to comments made on air.

For the UJNH, this is an act of extreme gravity. The organization describes this attack as a blatant assault on press freedom and an unacceptable aggression against the physical integrity of journalists in the exercise of their profession. It denounces a clear attempt at intimidation aimed at silencing critical voices.

In its denunciation note, the UJNH demands that Mayor Angeline Bell clearly address these acts of violence involving agents under her authority. It also calls for the immediate opening of an independent investigation to identify the perpetrators and instigators of the attack and bring them to justice.

The Union reminds that the press is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society and that no holder of power can use their status to silence journalists through violence or threats. Any such deviation, it warns, contributes to the erosion of the rule of law and the climate of fear that already heavily impacts the practice of journalism in Haiti.

Finally, the UJNH reaffirms its full solidarity with the attacked journalists and reserves the right to take all necessary actions, both nationally and internationally, to ensure that justice is served and that such acts do not go unpunished.

Jean Mapou / Le Relief