Self-defense group took patients and executed them

“Once there, law enforcement officers and members of the vigilante group surrounded the ambulance, slashed the tires and fired tear gas at the MSF staff in the vehicle to force them out.”

The wounded patients were then taken a short distance outside the hospital grounds. At least two of them were executed there.

The MSF staff in the ambulance were brutally attacked, insulted, gassed, threatened with death and held against their will for more than four hours before being allowed to leave.

The MSF ambulance was damaged and could not move, so the team left in a second vehicle.

“This act is a shocking display of violence for both patients and MSF medical staff.

“This seriously calls into question the organization’s ability to continue to provide life-saving assistance to the Haitian population, which is in dire need,” says Christophe Garnier, head of the mission.

Our teams and our patients require a minimum level of safety so we can continue to provide care.

The humanitarian organization recalled that it provides assistance to the population of Haiti and meets its medical needs.

It also provides primary health care, trauma-informed care and support for victims of sexual assault.

“We call on the authorities and all parties to the conflict to protect the right to access health care without discrimination or obstacles. We also ask you to ensure the protection of patients, respect for medical staff and medical institutions in the face of rising violence.”