Fact Check: "The Haitian National Police have carried out extrajudicial killings."
What We Know
The claim that the Haitian National Police (HNP) have engaged in extrajudicial killings is supported by multiple credible sources. A recent report from the United Nations indicates that the HNP has conducted "a worrying number of extrajudicial killings," particularly targeting suspected gang members, who are often summarily executed (source-1, source-2). Specifically, a U.N. report noted that there were 281 summary executions attributed to specialized police units in 2024, which included 22 women and 8 children (source-5). Furthermore, a separate report indicated that of 106 documented extrajudicial killings, 96 were carried out by police officers (source-3).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim of extrajudicial killings by the HNP is substantial and comes from reputable sources, including the United Nations and major news outlets. The U.N. has a vested interest in monitoring human rights abuses in Haiti, especially given the ongoing violence and instability in the country. Reports from the U.N. and other organizations highlight not only the actions of the police but also the broader context of gang violence and the collapse of state authority in Haiti (source-1, source-2).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are based on documented evidence and reports from international bodies. However, it is essential to note that the situation in Haiti is complex, with various actors involved, including vigilante groups and private security companies that sometimes operate outside the law and may also contribute to violence (source-1). This complexity may lead to challenges in fully understanding the extent and nature of police involvement in extrajudicial killings.
Conclusion
The claim that the Haitian National Police have carried out extrajudicial killings is True. Multiple credible sources confirm that the police have engaged in summary executions, particularly targeting individuals suspected of gang affiliation. The evidence is supported by reports from the United Nations and other reputable organizations, highlighting a troubling pattern of human rights abuses amid the ongoing violence in Haiti.
Sources
- Haiti's gangs have 'near-total control' of the capital, U.N. says. NPR
- Haiti's gangs have 'near-total control' of the capital as ... Washington Post
- Haiti reports a rise in killings and police executions. AP News
- nnz-online. NNZ Online
- Haiti's gangs have 'near-total control' of the capital, U.N. says. WWNO
- Badewannen-Rennen in Bennungen. NNZ Online
- PDF Quarterly Report on The Human Rights Situation in Haiti. Haiti Libre
- Haiti's gangs have 'near-total control' of the capital, U.N. says. WWNO
