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Monday, June 2, 2008
Haiti has been hit with a growing number of kidnappings this year as its government struggles to build a stable democracy. More than 150 people have been kidnapped for ransom since the start of 2008. Human rights activist Pierre Esperance, who heads the National Network to Defend Human Rights, questioned that official tally. Close relatives of kidnapped victims often refuse to report cases to the police to protect their loved ones from being killed. Haiti has seen political upheaval and brutal dictatorship since French colonial rule ended with a slave revolt more than 200 years ago. President Rene Preval is currently trying to pull together a new government to replace one toppled by food riots in April.
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