Violence and Protests Erupt in Haiti as Slain President Jovenel Moïse Honored

A solemn memorial service was held in Cap-Haitien, northern Haiti, for President Jovenel Moïse, who was assassinated on July 7, as authorities warned of more violence ahead of his funeral. The Rev. Jean-Gilles Sem condemned the ongoing killings and kidnappings, saying, "The killings and kidnappings should stop. We're tired." Amid growing unrest, Moïse supporters demanded justice for the slain president and threatened violence against the Haitian elite. Officials warned that events planned for later in the day might be canceled due to concerns over safety.

Key Takeaways:

• A priest, Rev. Jean-Gilles Sem, called for an end to violence and kidnappings in Haiti, emphasizing that poor communities are disproportionately affected.
• Moïse supporters protested outside the cathedral, accusing the Haitian elite of the president's murder and threatening violence if they attend the funeral.
• Authorities have arrested 26 suspects, including three police officers and 18 former Colombian soldiers, in connection with the president's assassination.
• The police chief, Léon Charles, has been probing why no one in the president's security detail was injured during the attack.

Statistics:

• 26 suspects have been arrested in connection with the president's assassination, including three police officers and 18 former Colombian soldiers.
• Seven high-ranking police officials have been detained but not formally arrested as the investigation continues.
• At least one person was killed in protests in Quartier-Morin, a town located between Cap-Haitien and Moïse's hometown, as armed men blocked roads with large rocks and burning tires.
• A nearby bridge connecting two communities was burned overnight, but Cap-Haitien remained peaceful on Thursday morning.

Sources:

• "Priest says 'enough is enough' as Haitians savor respite from violence" (AP News)
• "Raw Video: Protests erupt in Haiti after President Jovenel Moïse's assassination" (Associated Press)