Catholic institutions, including schools and universities, closed in Haiti on Wednesday in a three-day protest for demand the release of five chaplains, two nuns and two abductees more than a week ago in the midst of a wave of violence the government is having trouble controlling.
Ecclesiastical officials also organized masses to pray for the kidnapped – at least two of whom are French – and rang the church bells at St. John’s at noon. Pierre in Pétionville, where hundreds of people gathered to express their support.
“No one is safe,” said Margaret Jean Luis, 65. “I hope the kidnapped people come out unscathed.”
The April 11 kidnapping of priests, nuns and relatives of another priest in the capital is one of the most shocking in recent times in Haiti, which last year saw a 200% increase in kidnappings. agreement with the UN.
The abductees were identified as the nuns Anne-Marie Dorcelus and Agnes Bordeau, the priests Michel Briand, Evens Joseph, Jean-Nicaise Millien, Joël Thomas and Hugues Baptiste — three relatives of another priest. Briand was identified as French.
One of the relatives was released because she was ill, according to a radio interview aired Monday with a man who claimed to be the leader of the kidnappers.
The man, who identified himself as Lanmò Sant Jou, of the 400 Mawozo gang, told Radio Mega that French citizens are among the most important hostages. “If Haiti is as it is, it is due to the French.”
In 1804, Haiti gained independence from France, which demanded huge compensation.
The alleged brigand leader said he wants restitution from France and will stop feeding the abductees. He declined to say the sum of the ransom he had asked for.
Church officials who organized the closure said Masses will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, and that on Friday, church campaigns across the country will ring for the victims.
“We, the Catholic bishops of Haiti, see with great sadness that there has been no change in the situation of our brothers and sisters in the hands of the bandits,” the Conference of Catholic Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday. “Ten days in the hands of the kidnappers is too much.”