The Haitian Observatory for the Right and Freedom of the Press (OHDLP) expresses its deepest outrage over the kidnapping, since March 13, 2026, of two young Haitian journalists: Osnel Espérance and Junior Célestin. These two media professionals, committed to informing Haitian society, remain in the hands of their captors to this day. This situation represents yet another serious attack on press freedom in a country where practicing journalism has become one of the most dangerous professions.
For several years, Haiti has been experiencing a profound security and institutional crisis. Kidnappings, armed attacks, and acts of intimidation have multiplied against members of civil society, with journalists among the most vulnerable targets. The case involving Osnel Espérance and Junior Célestin tragically illustrates the deteriorating security climate for media professionals.
A Direct Attack on Press Freedom
The kidnapping of these two journalists cannot be seen as an isolated criminal act. It is part of a broader pattern of structural violence aimed at silencing critical voices and information actors. In a context where access to information is already difficult, the abduction of journalists constitutes a severe blow to the public’s right to be informed.
OHDLP recalls that journalists play a fundamental role in any democracy. Their mission is to inform, analyze, and question public authorities and social dynamics. By targeting them, armed groups and other violent actors undermine a key pillar of the rule of law.
In light of this alarming situation, OHDLP demands the immediate release of Osnel Espérance and Junior Célestin. The organization calls on judicial and police authorities to mobilize all necessary resources to ensure their safe return to their families.
Calling on Haitian Authorities
OHDLP also calls on Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the Minister of Culture and Communication, Emmanuel Ménard, to fully assume their responsibilities in protecting media professionals. Silence or inaction in the face of such attacks could be interpreted as implicit tolerance of crimes against the press.
In a state governed by the rule of law, authorities have the obligation to guarantee the safety of journalists and ensure that crimes committed against them are investigated and punished.
OHDLP stresses the need for effective coordination between judicial, police, and governmental institutions to secure the release of the kidnapped journalists. The organization also strongly condemns the attempted kidnapping of a media executive.
The security situation goes beyond these kidnappings. OHDLP is deeply concerned by reports that the residence of Marvel Dandin, Director General of Radio Kiskeya, was targeted by armed bandits attempting to kidnap him. This incident occurred on the eve of the eighth anniversary of the tragic disappearance of photojournalist Vladimir Legagneur—an event that painfully reminds us of the persistent vulnerability of Haitian journalists.
Police Violence Against Journalists in Saint-Marc
OHDLP also strongly condemns acts of violence committed by officers of the Haitian National Police against two journalists in the city of Saint-Marc (Bas-Artibonite). Junior Racine and Carlos Augustin were subjected to death threats, beatings, and ill-treatment by police officers.
These barbaric acts constitute a serious violation of human rights and a direct attack on press freedom. Law enforcement, whose duty is to protect the population, must never become instruments of repression against journalists.
OHDLP calls for a full investigation into this matter and demands that the police officers involved be identified, brought to justice, and sanctioned in accordance with the law.
Impunity: A Persistent Scourge
One of the major challenges facing the Haitian press is impunity. Several murders of journalists remain unsolved, contributing to a climate of fear and insecurity. Among the most emblematic cases are Jean Dominique, Brignol Lindor, Jacques Roche, Néhémie Joseph, photojournalist Vladimir Legagneur, and Tess Garry.
As long as those responsible for these crimes are not prosecuted and punished, attacks against the press are likely to continue.
Evidence of Political Persecution
The situation of Haitian journalists cannot be analyzed without mentioning the persecution faced by some media professionals. Journalist and socio-political analyst Alex Calas, Executive Director of OHDLP, has himself been the victim of threats and persecution while hosting programs such as Brasé Lide, Ann Pale, Parole Parlementaire, and Le Voyageur on Radio RCH2000.
Under pressure from notorious criminals and certain political actors, he was forced into hiding to save his life. This reflects the daily reality of many Haitian journalists who face constant threats because of their work and opinions.
A Profession in Precarity
Beyond security threats, Haitian journalists also face extremely precarious socio-economic conditions. Low salaries, lack of social protection, and difficult working environments make media professionals even more vulnerable.
In such conditions, practicing journalism often becomes an act of courage. Despite the dangers, these professionals continue to fulfill their mission of informing the public.
An Urgent Call for Press Freedom
In light of this alarming situation, OHDLP reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom and the safety of journalists in Haiti. The organization calls on authorities to act swiftly to locate and free Osnel Espérance and Junior Célestin.
It also demands the opening of a thorough judicial investigation into these kidnappings, as well as the police violence in Saint-Marc.
More broadly, OHDLP calls for the implementation of concrete mechanisms to protect journalists and for a genuine fight against impunity. Without safety for journalists, there can be no true press freedom—and without press freedom, there can be no real democracy.
Today more than ever, Haitian society must mobilize to defend those who dedicate their lives to informing the nation. The release of kidnapped journalists and the end of impunity are urgent imperatives for the future of the press and democracy in Haiti.
