Media Blackmail: CMEL Denounces Djovany Michel's Abuses

The Collective of Online Media (CMEL) is sounding the alarm. It accuses Djovany Michel and his RHAJAC allies of using journalism as a tool for defamation and intimidation, under the guise of anti-corruption efforts. During a press conference this Monday, July 7, the CMEL warned against what it calls a “serious deviation” in the Haitian media landscape. According to the Collective, Djovany Michel and his accomplices within the Haitian Network of Anti-Corruption Journalists (RHAJAC) are exploiting anti-corruption discourse to carry out personal and publicized attacks. “Journalism is a pillar of democracy, not a weapon of persecution,” declared Raynald PETIT-FRÈRE, general coordinator of the CMEL. Fabricated Accusations The CMEL denounces a series of serious accusations made by Djovany Michel against three of its members: Reynald PETIT-FRÈRE, Dieudonné ST CYR, and Robest DIMANCHE. The individuals concerned are accused, without the slightest proof, of being involved in a criminal network active in organ trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism. For the Collective, this smear campaign is reportedly a reaction to a note published on July 1, in which the CMEL denounced the false statements made by Djovany Michel against journalist Moïse Jean, who was wrongly accused of being close to gang leader Vitelhomme Innocent. A Struggle Diverted for Personal Gain According to Robest DIMANCHE, spokesperson for the CMEL, this matter is part of a broader strategy: instrumentalizing journalism to settle scores and establish political influence. “RHAJAC has transitioned from a commitment to transparency to a tool of manipulation and lies,” he laments. Heading for Justice In response to what it considers a true media cabal, the CMEL announces the official filing, this Wednesday, of a complaint for public defamation and usurpation of title against Djovany Michel and his collaborators. “The intimidation stops here. Where defamation has reigned, justice will decide,” affirms Dieudonné ST CYR, general secretary of the CMEL. The Collective of Online Media issues an urgent appeal to the Haitian press: defend ethics, protect the truth, and reject any instrumentalization of the profession. Rosie Armand