Jean Roody Aly Minister of Justice and Public Security, in a note dated October 16, 2018 informs that as part of the commemoration of the 212th anniversary of the death of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the carrying of firearms is provisionally suspended throughout the national territory, from Tuesday, October 16 from 6:00 pm until Thursday, October 19 at midnight.

"All licenses to carry a firearm are considered, in this circumstance, to be a license to possess firearms within the boundaries of the domicile of the citizen who is the holder, in accordance with Articles 268-1 and 268-2 of the Constitution. "

"[...] Law enforcement and judicial authorities are the only ones allowed to travel during this period with their regulatory and service weapons.

Private security agencies are also invited to adopt the necessary provisions in order to prevent their staff from traveling with service weapons during relays.

The National Police of Haiti and the Public Prosecutor's Offices of the Republic have been instructed to crack down with the utmost rigor against the violators of this measure, apprehending them and prosecuting them in accordance with the Penal Code and the laws of the Republic."

Reacting to this note, Me Michel André fierce opponent of the PHTK member of the Democratic and Popular Sector of the radical opposition states "The decision of the Minister of Justice to suspend the carrying of arms throughout the territory is illegal. Only the DGPNH can make such a decision. It is a strategy to facilitate the task to the armed groups close to the Power. No question of obeying an illegal order."

Moreover, Clamé Ocnam Daméus, the Government Commissioner at the Court of First Instance (TPI) of Port-au-Prince informs the population of the metropolitan area in general and users of the public road, in particular, that "the Parquet will continue to demonstrate its presence on the streets alongside all those who choose to exercise their rights guaranteed by law, including the right to protest or not. However, he also wishes to remind them of their duty to exercise it in order and respect for public freedoms, which are controlled by legal provisions. Accordingly, he intends to enforce the said provisions by taking the necessary measures to counteract all offenders."

"[...] the Commissioner invites the public to keep calm and serenity to prevent any panic and calls for vigilance to avoid falling into the trap of provocation and manipulation [...] While everyone is entitled to peacefully participate in street protests, the fact remains that the rights of those who choose to go about their daily activities should be respected. [...]"

HL/ SL/ Haitilibre