The episcopal conference in Haiti announced on Tuesday three days of the closure of schools, universities and other institutions that it had demanded the release of the twelve religious abducted for ten days on the outskirts of the capital.
“Ten days in the hands of the kidnappers is too long. We are deeply saddened by the lack of change in the situation of our brothers and sisters who are in the hands of the bandits,” a statement in Port-au-Prince said.
The closing of the activities will take place between Wednesday and next Friday, dates in which the priests will continue to offer liturgy in the morning or in the afternoon.
On Friday at noon, the bells of all the churches in the country will ring to demand the release of the hostages, if they have not yet been released. Since the end of 2019, Haiti has faced a wave of abductions unprecedented in its history, as abductions take place daily and all groups in society are victims of abductions, in the face of the impotence of the authorities.
On the 14th, the Church held a day of protest to denounce the abduction of the twelve religious, which took place the previous weekend. This event precipitated last week the resignation of the current prime minister, Joseph Jouthe, who was replaced by Claude Joseph.
Haiti is facing a deep political, economic and social crisis, which has manifested itself in postponing elections, increasing food insecurity and the emigration of thousands of people.