The Office of Citizen Protection (OPC), National Independent Institution for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, observes with dismay, the installation of a climate of political turmoil in the country, since the beginning of the electoral process and the gradual installation of a confrontational dynamic, which has intensified with the publication of the results of presidential elections of 25 October 2015.

Florence Élie, the Protector of Citizens, "feared that such a situation worsens and leads to an unprecedented post electoral crisis," emphasizing that the publication of these results "have sparked street protests that the Police repressed by acts of brutality and excessive use of force, resulted in the inadvertent use of tear gas and sometimes gunfire having caused injuries and deaths among the demonstrators."

She reminds that "freedom of gathering and peaceful protest, freedom of expression and association are constitutional guarantees and rights enshrined in regional and international instruments ratified by Haiti," and stresses that respect for civil liberties is the foundation of any rule of law that want to be democratic.

However, she recognizes the prerogatives of the police institution to guarantee the protection of lives and property during demonstrations, and the need to suppress disturbing public order, but reaffirms that the right of peaceful assembly must be guaranteed, and that its exercise may be subject to the only restrictions imposed by law in the interest of national security and public order.

The Protector of Citizens, reminds political actors and the general population that "freedom of assembly imposes unequivocally the culture of respect for democratic principles and the law, which implies the rejection of all violent practices."

HL/ HaitiLibre