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ACM calls for swift justice in killing of Haitian journalist

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Haitian journalist Romélson Vilcin, who was fatally wounded lies face down inside the parking lot of a police station, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. Vilsaint died Sunday after being shot in the head when police opened fire on reporters demanding the release of one of their colleagues who was detained while covering a protest, witnesses told The Associated Press. (AP Photo) (Uncredited/AP)
Haitian journalist Romélson Vilcin, who was fatally wounded lies face down inside the parking lot of a police station, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. Vilsaint died Sunday after being shot in the head when police opened fire on reporters demanding the release of one of their colleagues who was detained while covering a protest, witnesses told The Associated Press. (AP Photo) (Uncredited/AP)
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The Association of Caribbean MediaWorkers (ACM) has called for swift justice in the killing of freelance Haitian journalist, Romélson Vilcin, reportedly at the hands of the police in Port-au-Prince on Oct. 30.

He was at the time present during protests over the brutal arrest and detention of broadcast journalist, Robeste Dimanche, the ACM said in a press statement.

“We are looking forward to an investigation that is prompt and thorough and which leads to the criminal prosecution of those responsible,” the regional press freedom and advocacy group said in a statement.

“The ACM joins with the Association of Haitian Journalists (AJH) in also calling on the authorities to end the practice of employing violent behaviour against media workers while in pursuit of their duties.

“We are particularly concerned that in the current climate of pervasive criminal violence, there has seemingly been no attempt to ensure that the work of the free press is observed and protected.”

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The group said that the recent suspension of the production and distribution of print versions of Le Nouvelliste newspaper — an independent, authoritative media enterprise – “results directly from this state of affairs.

“We note that one of its leading journalists, Roberson Alphonse, continues to recover from serious injuries sustained during an October 25 assassination attempt, and we wish him best wishes and the hope that he is nursed back to good health.”

The ACM said it shares the deep concern of all Caribbean journalists over the deteriorating situation in Haiti and its impact on the practice of independent journalism.

“Our courageous colleagues there have our complete support, and we encourage the promotion of diplomatic and other regional efforts that can have the impact of bringing the situation under some measure of control.

“For the year so far, six journalists have been killed and another has disappeared. Securing justice in these cases can play a key role in signalling the seriousness of official measures to address deteriorating conditions,” the ACM said.