Thousands Of Haitians Protest, Alleging New Dictatorship
Faizan Hashmi Published February 15, 2021 | 08:10 AM
PortauPrince, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Feb, 2021 ) :Several thousand people demonstrated Sunday in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, saying the government was trying to establish a new dictatorship and denouncing international support for President Jovenel Moise.
The protests were mostly peaceful, although a few clashes broke out between some demonstrators and police, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets.
Protesters waved the national flag and chanted, "Down with the dictatorship!" Officials loyal to Moise claimed last Sunday they had foiled an attempt to murder him and overthrow the government. Police arrested 23 people, accusing them of an "attempted coup." Moise has been ruling by decree for a year because there is no parliament right now. Legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed.
He also maintains that his term lasts until February 2022 -- but the opposition argues it should have ended last weekend, in a standoff over disputed elections.
The dispute stems from Moise's original election. He was voted into office in a poll subsequently canceled after allegations of fraud, and then elected again a year later, in 2016.
The issue has led to weeks of violent protests on the streets of the poor Caribbean country.
The United States has backed Moise's position, with State Department spokesman Ned price saying on February 5 that "a new elected president should succeed President Moise when his term ends on February 7, 2022." Sunday's protests questioned the legitimacy of Moise's term length and foreign backing for his holding office.
"Despite all the kidnappings, the massacres in poor neighborhoods, the United States continues to support him," said protester Sheila Pelicier.
"The money from the PetroCaribe fund has been squandered, we don't have good hospitals... and the United States continues to support this corrupt government," Pelicier said, referring to a loan program whose funds the Haitian government has been accused of mismanaging since 2008.
Police officers also fired live ammunition into the air in Petion-Ville, a wealthy commune in Port-au-Prince where a car was set on fire.
The notorious Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier and his son Jean Claude "Baby Doc" ruled Haiti from 1957 until 1986 with their ruthless Tontons Macoutes militia.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
FM Dar not traveling to China: Foreign Office
PM takes notice of deliberate delay in tax cases
Iranian President visits Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum
Iranian President arrives in Lahore today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 23 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 23 April 2024
Islam enlightened world with its teachings about knowledge: Dr Jamileh
Record London close as oil prices drop on easing Middle East fears
TV tower in Kharkiv struck as Russia captured village
LCCI language courses from May 1
Governor for service oriented governance in Punjab
Survivors tell of panic at C.Africa river boat disaster
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
1 day ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
2 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
2 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
2 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
2 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
4 days ago
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
8 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
9 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
9 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
12 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
14 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
16 days ago