The National Network in Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) demanded explanations from the Government for the violence unleashed in Haiti, after denouncing some 300 murders as a result of attacks by armed gangs.

Port-au-Prince.- The platform deplored that since the beginning of this year, gang incursions have increased in numerous neighborhoods of this capital city and also in the Artibonite department, with a balance of hundreds of deaths and gang rapes of several dozen women and girls.

In Bel Air, in the heart of Port-au-Prince, 148 persons were killed or disappeared from February 28th to March 5th, as gangs disputed territories, according to the RNDDH report. Three other people were injured and gang members burnt down 62 homes and looted another 26.

A similar incident took place two weeks later, on March 20th, in the Cargo and Tunnel neighborhoods with a balance of nine deaths, while on March 31st an alleged gang member was lynched in Fort Jacques, a town southeast of the capital.

In addition to this, nearly 70 murders were reported in Cité Soleil, the largest poor neighborhood in Haiti, during clashes between armed groups that occurred between April 14th and the 19th, according to the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Coordination.

Last week another attack in Source Matelas, north of Port-au-Prince, left at least a hundred deaths, RNDDH stated.

Given the seriousness of the situation, the organization condemned the climate of terror and demanded explanations from the Government, in regards to the intensification of simultaneous armed assaults. It also criticized the supposed revocation of the strategic plan of the Police to hinder the movement of the gangs, after the security forces received vehicles and equipment.

The organization reiterated that the rights to life, security, and private property are Constitutionally guaranteed, so it demands that these principles be respected by all those involved especially the government. (PL)