Wednesday, Commissioner Garry Desrosiers, Deputy Spokesman of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) presented to the press, 5 individuals arrested earlier this week, during a joint operation of the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) and the Police station of Thomazeau.

These 5 individuals: Daniel Charléus, 25, presented as the alleged head of the gang, Jimmy Jean-Baptiste (32), Jeannot Areste (20, identified by one of the religious victims) Sauveur Augustin (33) and Pierrelus Lucanord (33), suspected of having participated in numerous attacks against the religious community between 16 November, 2014 and 15 March, 2015 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13455-haiti-security-a-situation-of-terror-reigns-within-religious-communities.html They are accused inter alia of : armed robbery, conspiracy and assault and battery.

Commissioner Desrosiers said the gang had bases in Petites Rivières de l'Artibonite Thomazeau and Verettes, from which they prepared their acts across the country, noting that research notices were issued against 10 others people clearly identified and actively sought.

Among those arrested some have confessed having attacked religious because they were easy targets and helpless, while others arrested in possession of firearms, swore they had not attacked the nuns.

Garry Desrosiers has condemned the acts of violence faced by the eligious congregations in recent weeks. "It is inconceivable that the bandits are attacking citizens who have made a vow of chastity and who are serving their country." He revealed that during the police operation, rings of certain religious and a quantity of jewelry object had been found and a firearm, cell phones and ammunition were seized.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13455-haiti-security-a-situation-of-terror-reigns-within-religious-communities.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13408-haiti-security-protection-of-religious-congregations-and-bank-customers.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13331-haiti-security-25-sisters-residences-attacked-by-gunmen.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13331-haiti-security-25-sisters-residences-attacked-by-gunmen.html

SL/ HaitiLibre