Haiti Mourns Journalist Natoux, Killed Amid Gang Violence \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Haitian journalist Marckendy Natoux, fatally shot on Christmas Eve during a gang attack, was laid to rest on Saturday. Known for his kindness and dedication, Natoux was one of two journalists killed while covering the reopening of a hospital in gang-controlled Port-au-Prince. The tragedy highlights the dangers faced by journalists in Haiti, where gang violence and impunity for crimes remain rampant.
Haiti’s Marckendy Natoux: A Tragic Farewell
- Funeral Tribute: Natoux’s stepson, in a suit and bow tie, comforted his grieving mother as mourners paid their respects.
- The Incident: Natoux and journalist Jimmy Jean were killed during a gang shooting at Haiti’s General Hospital.
- Journalist Remembered: Natoux was celebrated for his multilingual talents, integrity, and advocacy for press freedom.
- Gang Violence: Haiti’s most powerful gang leader claimed responsibility, citing control over the hospital’s reopening.
- Justice and Impunity: Haiti remains one of the deadliest countries for journalists, with crimes often going unpunished.
Deep Look
Haiti continues to grapple with a surge in violence, corruption, and impunity, as the tragic death of journalist Marckendy Natoux on Christmas Eve underscores the severe risks faced by those committed to truth-telling in the troubled Caribbean nation. Natoux, a 42-year-old father of two, was one of two journalists fatally shot during a gang attack at the anticipated reopening of Haiti’s largest public hospital. His death has drawn attention to the challenges of working in a country where lawlessness, impunity, and escalating gang violence put journalists in constant danger.
A Heartbreaking Farewell to a Journalist and Father
On Saturday, family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor the life of Marckendy Natoux at a funeral marked by grief and poignant moments. Among those mourning was Natoux’s young stepson, who wore a suit and bow tie and comforted his grieving mother by wiping away her tears with a handkerchief before drying his own. The emotional ceremony reflected the deep loss felt by his family and the press community.
As mourners lifted Natoux’s flag-draped coffin into the air, wails echoed through the church. Colleagues and loved ones remembered a man who was more than just a journalist—he was a teacher, a protector of press freedom, and a symbol of integrity in an increasingly hostile environment for journalists.
The Tragic Events of December 24
Natoux’s death occurred during what should have been a routine assignment. He and other journalists had gathered in downtown Port-au-Prince to cover the reopening of Haiti’s General Hospital, which had been looted by gangs and was closed for months. The hospital’s reopening was seen as a crucial step for a city plagued by violence and inadequate healthcare access.
But shortly after their arrival, chaos erupted as gunmen opened fire. Natoux and fellow journalist Jimmy Jean, a 44-year-old father of six who worked for the online news outlet Moun Afe Bon, were killed in the attack. Five other journalists were injured, with some requiring surgeries to treat their gunshot wounds.
Johnson “Izo” André, the leader of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition, later claimed responsibility for the attack. In a video posted on social media, André stated that he had not authorized the hospital’s reopening, asserting his gang’s control over the area.
Remembering Marckendy Natoux
Natoux’s death is not just a loss to his family but to Haiti’s journalism community, where he was regarded as a pillar of integrity and professionalism. Fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Creole, Natoux worked for several prominent organizations, including Voice of America’s Creole service, the Boston Caribbean Network, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media. He also taught English and Spanish, helping young Haitians expand their opportunities.
“Natoux was a protector of journalists,” recalled Oriol Jacklin, a journalist with Radio Regard FM. “He worked with everyone and respected everybody.”
His colleague René Celias highlighted Natoux’s dedication to journalism. “He was killed for bringing news to the world,” Celias said.
Natoux’s death has sparked outrage and grief across Haiti, with press organizations and advocacy groups condemning the attack and demanding justice.
A Wider Crisis for Journalism in Haiti
The deaths of Natoux and Jean are part of a broader pattern of violence against journalists in Haiti. The country is one of the most dangerous places in the world for media workers, with gangs controlling up to 85% of Port-au-Prince and operating with near-total impunity.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Haiti ranks among the worst offenders globally for failing to solve journalist murders. At least seven killings of journalists remain unsolved since 2019, reflecting a judicial system crippled by corruption, underfunding, and intimidation.
Robest Dimanche, spokesman for the Online Media Collective, condemned the killings as a “dark day” for Haiti. “We are asking the authorities to not let this crime go unpunished,” Dimanche said.
Despite these calls for justice, few believe those responsible will face consequences. The lack of accountability underscores the challenges of operating in a country where journalists are increasingly targeted for their work.
Government Negligence and Widespread Violence
The attack that killed Natoux and Jean has also raised questions about government negligence. Critics argue that inviting journalists to cover an event in such a dangerous area was reckless.
“You shouldn’t invite someone to cover a media event in an area you know is dangerous,” said Oriol Jacalin, one of Natoux’s colleagues.
The violence highlights the larger crisis engulfing Haiti. More than 5,600 people were killed in Haiti last year, even as the United Nations backed a mission led by Kenyan police to address the escalating gang violence. Despite these efforts, gangs like the Viv Ansanm coalition, led by André, continue to wield significant power.
On the day of Natoux’s funeral, 217 additional Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti, joining 400 others already deployed. However, the mission has been criticized for lacking sufficient funding and personnel to make a significant impact, and the U.S. and other nations have called for a more robust U.N. peacekeeping operation.
The Role of Gangs in Haiti’s Crisis
Gangs like Viv Ansanm have become powerful forces in Haiti, controlling large swaths of the capital and dictating terms to the government and citizens. André’s claim of responsibility for the hospital attack highlights the extent of their influence, with even critical infrastructure projects subject to their approval.
The unchecked power of these gangs has exacerbated Haiti’s humanitarian crisis, leaving the population vulnerable to violence and depriving them of basic services. Journalists, tasked with exposing these realities, have become frequent targets.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Reform
The murder of Marckendy Natoux is a grim reminder of the perils journalists face in Haiti and the urgent need for systemic reform. His death has ignited calls for justice, not only for him but for all journalists killed while working to inform the world about Haiti’s struggles.
As the country mourns Natoux, his legacy as a journalist, teacher, and advocate for truth endures. His story underscores the importance of protecting the press in the fight against violence, corruption, and impunity.
Haiti’s challenges remain daunting, but honoring the sacrifices of journalists like Natoux is essential to preserving freedom of the press and restoring hope in a nation desperate for change.
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