Freedom of the Press - Haiti (2002)

Status: Not Free
Legal Environment: 17
Political Influences: 36
Economic Pressures: 19
Total Score: 72

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 49
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Black (95 percent), mulatto and white (5 percent)
Capital: Port-au-Prince

Independent radio stations and newspapers exist in name only. Those critical of the government are targets of official intimidation and of inspired mob attacks. Harassment of some 15 journalists throughout 2001 culminated in the December attack on the popular news director of Radio Echo 2000, who was stoned and hacked to death by a mob of alleged supporters of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The president was accused by Reporters sans Frontieres of obstructing justice in the investigation of murdered journalists. The inquiry into the April 2000 murder of prominent radio commentator Jean Dominique continued throughout the year. In April, three radio stations were attacked and robbed, part of a wave of assaults suffered by the Haitian media during the past two years. One positive development during the year was the re-emergence of the Haitian Journalists' Association and the increased prominence of other media associations.