Journalist Roger Claudy Israël abducted by gangs as terror reigns in Haiti
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is outraged by the abduction of Haitian journalist Roger Claudy Israël, who has been missing since 31 March 2025. He was kidnapped in the city of Mirebalais, in central Haiti, during an offensive by a coalition of armed groups. RSF urges the international community to act immediately to protect the journalists facing the insecurity and terror plaguing Haiti.
Roger Claudy Israël, a former correspondent for Radio Ginen and founder of the local station RC FM, was abducted as gangs took over the city of Mirebalais, located about 60 kilometers northeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince. A video circulating on social media shows Roger Claudy Israël and his brother kneeling before armed men who threaten them with death.
“The abduction of Roger Claudy Israël and the grave abuses suffered by news professionals in recent months highlight the constant danger facing Haiti’s press as they’re forced to work in a climate of terror. RSF calls on the Haitian authorities and the international community to urgently take concrete measures to locate and rescue the journalist, ensure media workers are protected and restore press freedom in the country.
Roger Claudy Israël’s abduction is part of a disturbing ongoing pattern of violence targeting journalism in Haiti. In mid-March, the historic premises of Radio Télévision Caraïbes (RTVC) in Port-au-Prince was set on fire.
Over the past two years, numerous reporters have been abducted, forced into hiding, or attacked amid the collapse of state institutions and the growing influence of armed groups. In the last five years, eight journalists have been killed, including Makenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean in December of last year.
