International News: United Nations, United States slap sanctions on 4 Haiti gang leaders

Published by BBNTEAM at December 9, 2023

Posted: Saturday, December 9, 2023. 9:48 am CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: On Friday, the U.N. Security Council approved the addition of 4 suspected Haitian gang leaders to its sanctions list, Reuters report.

The U.N. sanctioned Renel Destina, believed to be the main leader of the Grand Ravine gang; as well as Vitel’homme Innocent, understood to head the Kraze Barye gang; Johnson Andre of 5 Segond; and Wilson Joseph of 400 Mawozo.

The U.S. Treasury Department also announced sanctions against them.

Survivors have identified Andre and his gang as directly responsible for 1,035 cases of sexual violence in 2022 alone, the Treasury Department said in a statement.

Destina, an ally of Andre was responsible for killings, robberies, rapes, looting and burning down homes, and has also been indicted for kidnapping U.S. citizens in 2021.

“Criminal gangs now reportedly control approximately 80% of (Haiti’s capital) Port-au-Prince,” the Treasury said in a statement.

“Kidnapping, rape, robbery, murder and sexual violence are daily threats for Haitians, including children,” it added.

Human rights groups have called for sanctions to target those funding the gangs.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.