Murder contract on journalist amid rising political tension

Reporters Without Borders is very concerned about the threats that Jean Monard Métellus, a programme host on the Port-au-Prince radio station Caraïbes FM, has been receiving since 17 October. “We take note of the statement by justice and public security minister Jean Renel Sanon that Métellus will be given state protection,” Reporters Without Borders said. “This protection needs to materialize quickly, just as a rapid investigation into the origin of the threats is also needed. “We nonetheless caution against any use of this matter in the in-fighting between different government factions at a time when political polarization is on the increase again. We are aware of certain allegations in connection with the supposed plot to murder Métellus and we think they should not be made lightly. The priority should be Métellus’ protection and the subsequent investigation.” In a press release on 19 October, the justice minister said he was reliably informed that a contract had been put out on Métellus, and that he was to be murdered by two men on a motorcycle for 10,000 dollars. Métellus says he has not as yet been contacted by the authorities since this press release.