PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, (CMC) -The Secretary General of the SOS Journalistes, Guyler C Delva, has denied reports of government inaction regarding the deaths of two journalists who were killed when gunmen fired on people attending the reopening of the General Hospital on December 24, last year.

“SOS Journalistes formally denies the allegations…regarding the government’s attitude…in the case of journalists who were victims during the incidents that occurred on December 24,” Delva said in a statement.

He said, on the contrary, “as a defender of freedom of the press and expression, this is the first time that I have seen authorities, particularly the Minister of Justice and Public Security Patrick Pelissier, and Acting Minister of Public Health and Population, act with such seriousness, empathy and promptness”.

He said Pelissier is working continuously with the members of the Monitoring Commission to provide relief to the families of the victims.

“What matters today for SOS Journalistes is not to play politics with a tragedy that cost the lives of two journalists and a police officer,” he said, adding “at this stage, what interests SOS Journalistes is the burial of the deceased colleagues and the support to provide for the families of victims in the tragedy”.

Police spokesman Lionel Lazarre said that one officer was killed and Robest Dimanche, spokesman for the Online Media Collective, said journalists Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean were also killed during the attack as armed men opened fire at journalists, police and medical staff.

The Viv Ansanm gang alliance, which controls much of the city, had said it carried out the attack and pictures posted on social media show several people injured or dead inside the building.
The journalists were waiting for the arrival of Health Minister Lorthe Blema when the shooting began.

Delva said that the government, through Pelissier, has decided to meet the costs related to the funerals of the victims as well as pay compensation to the families of the journalists who were victims and to ensure that journalists who are hospitalised or under medical supervision receive the care that their cases require.

He said that the funeral will take place on Saturday, January 11, and Delva, who is coordinating the monitoring commission said members of the Online Media Collective (CMEL) and the National Network of Online Media (RENAMEL) will join the commission at its next meeting.

“A formal letter from the ministry should confirm shortly the integration of the two additional members to the commission, which remains an initiative of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security,” he added.