Haiti's main police agencies have appealed for assistance in stopping the escape of prisoners, including several dangerous criminals who are trying to escape from the National Prison in Port-Au-Prince.
It is unclear how many escaped from the prison, but the Haitian Gazette reported it as “significant.” Sources said some detainees were reluctant to leave for fear of being killed in a hail of gunfire. The prison police left the facility on Saturday, according to AyiboPost.
Unrest is taking place in the capital Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Photo: Reuters
Gunfights have broken out in recent days after gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer, called on criminal groups to turn against the government. Cherizier leads a coalition of gangs and faces sanctions from the United Nations and the United States.
Haiti's National Prison, built to hold 700 inmates, held 3,687 as of February last year. A 2017 report warned of severe overcrowding at the prison.
The prison attack comes after reports on Friday that armed men had attempted to seize control of Port-Au-Prince's main container port, disrupting traffic and gangs threatening to attack more of the city's police stations.
Cherizier this week warned locals not to send children to school to “avoid damage” as violence escalated.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who took power in Haiti after the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in 2021, had pledged to step down in early February. He later said Haiti's security must be restored to ensure free and fair elections.
Mai Van (according to Reuters)
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