11 Killed in Haiti Fighting; Former Secret Police Reportedly Involved

Eleven people were killed Friday in two towns during anti-government demonstrations demanding the resignation of the provisional junta, the official government television reported.

Radio Haiti Inter, however, reported that the fighting was between members of the Tontons Macoutes, a disbanded special police force, and a rival peasant group. The radio also reported that the death toll may be higher than that reported by the government.

Ten people died in the northwestern town of Jean Rabel when protesters, angry with the people that opposed the demonstrations, set fire to their homes and businesses, according to the television report.

One person was killed in Les Cayes, the television report said. Further details were not immediately available.

In Port-au-Prince, an anti-government demonstration fizzled Friday, hours after the junta issued a decree restricting public gatherings. About 100 people showed up at Radio Soleil, the Roman Catholic Church station but quietly dispersed when no one arrived.

The demonstration was called by the National Federation of Unemployed Patriots of Haiti and the Assn. of Moderate Patriotic Youth, two obscure groups.

The decree bans rallies of more than 20 people when organizers fail to notify police at least 48 hours in advance, and it holds organizers responsible for participants’ behavior. Jail terms can be meted out to people who chant “provocative” slogans or carry posters the government deems to advocate violence.

It was issued after a policeman shot into a crowd of 2,000 after what witnesses said was a peaceful anti-government demonstration Thursday. It was the fourth rally this week. One woman died and seven people were wounded.