A 'Grand' demonstration for democracy and human rights, in Washington, D.C. 

Throughout the country, Haitians are demonstrating to denounce President Aristide as a despot leading their homeland farther down the path of total economic collapse, poverty, corruption and repression. Students, democratic activists and average citizens are daily attacked with machetes, guns and other weapons by the Haitian National Police (HNP) and pro-Aristide thugs at demonstrations demanding an end to Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s regime. At least forty-six people have been killed and more than one hundred wounded in the violence since December 2003.

The Haiti Solidarity Rally seeks to support the Haitian people with a call for an end to violence and human rights abuses perpetrated by the Aristide regime and to urge international support for a democratic alternative to the current leadership. This will be the first pro-Haiti democracy rally in Washington since 1994, when Aristide was returned to Haiti by the United States.

Invited speakers include:

Prof. Pierre Paquiot, Rector of the State University of Haiti. Mr. Paquiot’s legs were broken by Aristiders during an attack on the university campus Dec. 5, 2003. He is currently receiving medical treatment in New Orleans.

Chief Jean-Robert Faveur, former police chief in Haiti, forced to flee the country after resisting unlawful palace control and interference in police operations.

Judge Claudy Gassant, Haitian judge forced to flee the country for investigating suspects close to the Aristide regime in the case of slain journalist and Aristide critic, Jean Dominique.

Sen. Yrvelt Chery, former Haitian senator from 1995-2001.

Amb. Lawrence A. Pezzullo, U.S. special envoy to Haiti during 1993-94 in charge of Clinton administration Haiti policy; negotiator of Governors Island accord; founding board member of Haiti Democracy Project. Most senior former American official to call for Aristide's departure.

The Haiti Solidarity Rally is co-sponsored by:

Haiti Democracy Project Haitian American Nationalists for Democracy (HANDS) League of Overseas Haitian Young Professionals (LIJECH) Agency for the Development of Haiti.

It is endorsed by:

Coalition in Solidarity with the Haitian People, Miami Groupe de Reflexion, New York

Transportation: Sheridan Circle is three blocks west of the Dupont Circle station on the Red Line. Use Q Street exit. Continue west on Q Street in same direction as the escalator for two blocks, bear right on Massachusetts Ave., walk one block to circle. Parking is limited in the Embassy Row area during the day. Further information:Terry Thielen, Haiti Democracy Project, 202-258-3364, terry@haitipolicy.org Arielle Jean-Baptiste, Haiti Democracy Project, 202-588-8700, Arielle@haitipolicy.org