According to statements made on Wednesday by Police Director Leon Charles, relatives of Geffard, who served as spokesperson for the police union, plotted the shooting in response to his murder.

Geffard was attacked on Tuesday on Delmas 32 by three individuals on a motorcycle, and died on the way to the hospital from his gunshot wounds.

In the same area, gunmen opened fire on peaceful passers-by early this morning, leaving at least 15 deaths, among them journalist Diego Charles, political activist Antoinette Duclaire and renowned singer Rusthelle Gillaume’s brother, as well as several wounded.

Leon Charles assured that the Police will not tolerate acts of reprisal, emphasizing that the function of the security forces is to control crime.

The incidents are taking place at a time when Haiti is experiencing increasing violence, led by armed gangs trying to take control of various areas of Port-au-Prince.

Since June 1, there have been some 50 deaths in clashes between armed gangs, while over 13,000 have been forced to leave their homes.

Acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph stated that hate crimes and reprehensible actions cannot go unpunished in a democratic society, and announced that he had instructed the Police and the Ministry of the Interior to identify the perpetrators and punish them in accordance with the law.

mh/omr/mem/ane