Backer of Haiti’s Deposed Leader Arrested, Slain
The bodies of a prominent supporter of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and two other people were found in the city morgue a day after their arrest, reports said Wednesday.
The slayings came as a delegation from the Organization of American States was in town for talks on reinstating Aristide, who was overthrown in a military coup last September.
One of the slain men was Matine Remilien, who last month co-founded a pro-Aristide group, the Louvri Baye. Louvri Baye means “Open the Gates,” a phrase often uttered at the beginning of voodoo ceremonies.
An official of the human rights group Amnesty International said the military may have used the killings to send a message to the OAS that it vehemently opposes Aristide’s return.
The independent Haitian Press Agency and Radio Metropole reported that the bodies were found by morgue officials Tuesday. It was not immediately clear which security force had arrested the men Monday.
At least 20 civilians have been killed this month, according to the independent media.
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