outrage and horror at the killing of Haitian journalist and television host, Jacques Roche. 

We condemn this atrocity in  the strongest possible terms.

Mr Roche was kidnapped in the Nazon District of Port-au-Prince on July 10 and a ransom demand 

subsequently made. 

We were informed of the discovery of his body in Delmas 2 today (July 14) despite attempts by his 

family to secure his release. 

Mr Roche’s abduction and murder follow a deterioration in the security situation in Haiti which last 

June 16 forced journalist, Nancy Roc, to flee the country after receiving kidnap threats.

We note, as well, the failed kidnap attempt on Radio Métropole director Richard Widmaier on June 11 

and reports of an increase in abductions in the city of Port-au-Prince.

These events mark a significant threat to the stability of the country and the work of the free press 

in Haiti.

We call on the responsible authorities to conduct an extensive investigation into the murder of Jacques 

Roche and for the perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice in the soonest possible time.

We urge that accompanying investigations include specific reference to threats to the safety of Haitian 

journalists and also call on the international community to condemn such attacks in the strongest possible 

manner.