PRESS RELEASE: Condemnation of the armed attack against the residence of journalist Marvel Dandin, General Director of Radio Télé Kiskeya

Written by journalist Emmanuel Taulème BRINA We strongly condemn the armed attack perpetrated on the night of Wednesday, March 11 to Thursday, March 12, 2026, against the residence of journalist Marvel Dandin, general director of Radio Télé Kiskeya, in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. According to information reported by the journalist himself, around 00:30, a group of about seven heavily armed individuals entered the premises of his residence with the clear intention of breaking into the house. The assailants first tried to force the main door before heading towards the door of the room where the journalist was. Faced with resistance to entry, they then used a ladder to try to enter through another point of the residence. During this attack, several shots were fired inside the house, plunging the occupants into a situation of terror in the middle of the night. A justice of the peace subsequently went to the scene to ascertain the facts. This criminal act constitutes a serious attack not only against a journalist, but also against freedom of the press and the fundamental principles of democracy. For several decades, Radio Télé Kiskeya has represented one of the strongest symbols of Haitian democracy. True to its mission of information and analysis, this media institution has always stood up against abuses of power, authoritarian excesses, and attempts to manipulate public opinion. Through its broadcasts, investigations, and stances, it embodies an independent press that refuses to submit to pressure from authorities or dictatorial governments. In any democratic society, the press plays an essential role. It constitutes a fundamental pillar for informing the population, monitoring the actions of leaders, and ensuring transparency in the management of public affairs. Attacking journalists or media outlets is tantamount to directly attacking the people's right to be informed and the very vitality of democracy. It is also important to remember that this attack is unfortunately not an isolated case. Radio Télé Kiskeya has already been the target of several acts of violence in the past. Journalists linked to this institution have been assassinated, and on the night of November 30 to December 1, 2015, armed individuals had already opened fire on the station's facilities. These events bear witness to a persistent climate of hostility towards independent media in Haiti. Faced with this situation, we vigorously denounce the chronic inaction of successive Haitian governments which, year after year, have failed to take concrete measures to address the security crisis ravaging the country. This inability to guarantee the safety of citizens, and particularly that of journalists, has contributed to creating a dangerous climate of impunity. We also address a severe criticism to the current government led by Prime Minister Alix Didine Fils Aimé, whose inaction in the face of the dizzying rise in insecurity continues to worry the population. Despite the proliferation of armed attacks, kidnappings, and acts of violence targeting all segments of society, no effective and lasting policy has been implemented to restore state authority and protect citizens. We call on the Haitian authorities to immediately take all necessary measures to guarantee the safety of journalists, conduct a serious investigation into this attack, and bring those responsible to justice. Impunity must no longer be the rule. Finally, we express our full solidarity with Marvel Dandin, with the entire team of Radio Télé Kiskeya, as well as with all Haitian journalists who continue to practice their profession with courage despite constant threats and dangers. The defense of a free press is inseparable from the defense of democracy in Haiti. Any attack against a journalist must be considered an attack against the entire nation. End of press release
Emmanuel Taulème BRINA
Former journalist reporter for Radio Kiskeya