David McFadden

d5tid: 
4095

Haitian Government Creates Commission to Probe Prison Conditions

  • Posted on: 25 February 2017
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The Haitian Government has announced a commission to examine the country's prisons, which have long known to be over-crowded and unsafe.  Due to Haiti's weak justice system, most prisoners have not been convicted of crimes but are instead being held in pre-trial detention. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other organizations have for many years tried to improve conditions in the prisons but lasting change requires governmental committment, planning, and resources.  For more information on Haiti, visit the World Prison Brief.  The full article by AP reported David McFadden follows. 

Slaying of Three Deaf Women Highlights Vulnerability

  • Posted on: 25 April 2016
  • By: Bryan Schaaf
Below is an article by AP Writer David McFadden regarding the brutal murder of three deaf women in Leveque.  It is not yet clear why the women were murdered.  However, people living with disabilities in Haiti are often stigmatized, isolated, and abuses committed against them ignored by the justice system. The murders have attracted widespread attention, the families have legal representation, and the Cabaret Police have three people in custody and are searching for two more. While nothing will bring the women back, apprehending and prosecuting the killers could send a message that such abuses will no longer be ignored.