The Haitian Police announced a ban on carrying weapons until further notice and indicated that it would not tolerate attempts on life or violence in the face of a new wave of protests against rising fuel prices.
“Given its mission to protect the lives and property of citizens, the Haitian National Police informs everyone that, as part of the management of this climate of unrest, all permits to carry weapons are suspended until further notice,” the entity said in a statement and encouraged security agencies to take steps to comply with the provision.
The police also encouraged the organizers of the protests to abide by the limits established by law and said it would not tolerate attacks on human life, acts of violence, or disturbances on private and state property.
The warning comes in the wake of scenes of looting of several organizations, including Caritas and the UN World Food Program, in the context of the general mobilizations.
On September 15, demonstrators attacked the headquarters of the Haitian National Television, set fire to at least three vehicles, and threw stones at the windows.
Also, on September 12, another group attacked the headquarters of Radio Model FM, injured one of its technicians, and caused considerable damages, according to its directors.
Haiti’s protests turned violent in the last weeks as thousands of citizens took to the streets against inflation which exceeded 30%, and the high prices of hydrocarbons in the official market.
These movements worsened on September 12, after the officialization of the increase of up to 228% in the price of hydrocarbons, which took effect immediately.
With information from Sputnik