The Association of Haitian Journalists (AJH) has formally condemned the kidnapping of journalists Junior Célestin of Radio Télé Mégastar and Osnel Espérance of Radio Uni FM, who were intercepted by armed gangs currently holding territorial control in the center of the capital.

The abduction took place past Friday, March 13, near the Sylvio Cator football stadium. According to a statement issued by the press union, the reporters were conducting fieldwork when they were confronted by armed men.

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As of now, no proof of life has been provided to their families or colleagues, while alarming rumors regarding their condition continue to circulate on social media.

During a joint press conference held at the Community Development Center (CEDEC), Danielo Féquière, executive director of Radio Uni FM, and Genson Jean-Baptiste, representative of Radio Télé Mégastar, urged the Haitian government to launch an immediate and in-depth investigation.

Jean-Baptiste stressed that this attack is not an isolated incident. He recalled the December 24, 2024 tragedy at the State University Hospital of Haiti (HUEH), where journalists were killed and wounded during a gang assault. He also highlighted the ongoing neglect faced by previous victims, including journalist Jocelyn Justin, who continues to receive medical treatment in Cuba without adequate support from Haitian health authorities.

The situation for media workers in the Caribbean nation remains dire. Since 2018, the security crisis has led to the deaths of at least 15 journalists, either at the hands of criminal groups or during operations carried out by the National Police of Haiti.

At present, armed gangs control an estimated 90% of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, imposing a regime of terror that forces journalists to seek authorization from criminal groups just to move through certain zones.

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