Following the incidents of Friday, May 18 in connection with a parade of several hundred men in fatigues claiming to be former Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H), of the intervention of the National Police of Haiti and of peacekeepers and the arrest of fifty people, seizure of illegal weapons and vehicles and the evacuation of several former military bases occupied illegally, the Supreme Council of the National Police is currently holding a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office.

In a statement-synthesis, the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, point by point summary, the context of the facts and its position on the incident and on the record of these individuals, who claim their belonging to former FAd'H.

Position of the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe on the operations conducted by the PNH from Friday 18 to Sunday, May 20, 2012.

Background and Facts :

• Facts of May 18 to the Champs de Mars: Attempting to break into the National Palace.

• May 19 specialized units of the PNH made left individuals in military fatigues green olive of the camps : Lamentin located in Carrefour, Camp of Bon Repos, Camp of Cap Haïtien, Camp of Péligre).

• This operation was conducted in a context where few weeks ago the National Police was on strike to demand better working conditions.

• Of alleged kidnappers and escaped from prison were among the demobilized military alleged.

• Foreigners who were active in the movement of these armed men have been arrested.

• Some material seized such as Molotov cocktails, large caliber weapons, military clothing, vehicles etc...

• Same gangs that are responsible for bullying parliamentarians are associated with many exactions on the population.

• Several calls were made especially by the head of state so that these gangs abandoned their positions and deposit their weapons

• Coordinated operations across the territory, appealing to the courage, to the professionalism and unfailing commitment of regular and specialized units of the National Police of Haiti.

Position of the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe :

• The illegal nature of the occupancy of sites by alleged former soldiers demobilized.

• Assimilation to a coup.

• Determination to consolidate democracy and the rule of law

• The restoration of state authority

• Reminder that the National Police is the only police force throughout the national territory.

• Attempt to invest the National Palace is unacceptable, an offence against national security and all this is done in a context where the President and Prime Minister are trying to consolidate democracy in the country.

• Sympathies to the officers of the National Palace who were injured and other collateral victims who were on the scene at the times of the facts

• Thanks to the Haiti National Police (PNH) for its professionalism and commitment (Swat team, Coastal guards, UDMO, BIM, CIMO, Police stations : of PAP, of the Croix des Bouquets, of Bon Repos, of Carrefour, of Cap) and populations of different areas where the camps are for their calm and cooperation.

• The public action will be set in motion against these individuals for conspiracy, usurpation of title, illegal possession of firearms, theft etc...

• The Commission to compensate the demobilized soldiers will make public its report on its activities since 2004.

• The Prime Minister encourages victims of these alleged demobilized soldiers to complaints (individual or collective action).

• A Bureau was established for this purpose. Office Address : Noailles municipalities of Croix-des-Bouquets.

• Mission of the Office: Gather information from victims of alleged military mobilized and monitor the various measures that the government will take in the coming days.

• The National Police has the obligation to keep and secure evacuated areas.

• The criminal justice must continue to pursue the leaders and bridgeheads for their judgment.

• The Supreme Council Of National Police and the Ministry of Defence will have to look on this issue without delay.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-5708-haiti-justice-the-commissioner-senatus-conducts-the-hearing-of-people-arrested-friday.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-5701-haiti-security-the-pnh-takes-control-of-camp-of-lamentin-more-than-50-arrests.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-5702-haiti-security-2-americans-arrested-in-the-incidents-of-friday.html

HL/ HaitiLibre