SOS Journalistes Condemns Arson Attack on Radio Émancipation FM

SOS Journalistes Haiti denounces the arson attack that ravaged the premises of Radio Émancipation FM on November 1, 2025. The station was already under recurrent threats from Jimmy Chérisier, known as “Barbecue.” The organization criticizes the authorities' inaction in the face of an attack on press freedom that had been announced for several weeks. In a note dated November 10, SOS Journalistes Haiti protested against the arson attack that destroyed the headquarters of Radio Émancipation FM on November 1. The organization recalls that the station had been publicly threatened by Jimmy Chérisier, alias “Barbecue,” leader of the armed coalition “Viv Ansanm,” who has escalated attacks, intimidation, and pressure against the country's media in recent months. For several weeks, Chérisier directly targeted the program “Ti Koze Ak TT,” hosted by independent journalist Thériel Thélus, whose voice resonates with both the popular masses and political circles. “If a media outlet has guts, give it airtime, broadcast its show,” he had declared in a viral video, reigniting fears of an imminent act. For SOS Journalistes, this fire materializes an announced threat and reveals a dangerous flaw in the protection of press workers. “This is yet another direct and deliberate attack against press freedom in Haiti,” the organization emphasizes, denouncing the lack of reaction from political and police authorities, despite being alerted repeatedly. In an increasingly vulnerable media landscape, several institutions, including Radio Caraïbes, Magic 9, Radio Mélodie FM, and the daily Le Nouvelliste, have already had to abandon their premises to escape acts of intimidation and armed violence. The fire also affected the Université Soleil d’Haïti (USH), located in the same building as the station. In this recent note signed by Guyler C. Delva, SOS Journalistes reiterates that media outlets, regardless of their editorial lines, are not involved in any conflict with armed groups and are merely fulfilling their mission to inform the population. The organization calls for swift action to protect journalists, ensure their safety, and preserve the fundamental right to information. The editorial team