Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.

Pro-Aristide Priest Denies Role in Haitian Journalist's Killing
---------------------------------------------------------------

(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=E4EE1C:3919ACA

Reverend Gerard Jean-Juste issued denial Friday from Port-au-Prince
jail cell, where he was taken after being roughed up by mourners A
Haitian priest and supporter of ousted President Jean-Bertrand
Aristide has denied involvement in the death of local journalist
Jacques Roche.







Rev. Gerard Jean-Juste talks to AP reporter from jail, FridayReverend
Gerard Jean-Juste issued the denial Friday from a Port-au-Prince jail
cell, where he was taken after he was roughed up by mourners Thursday
at Mr. Roche's funeral.

The priest contends he was out of the country when Mr. Roche was
killed. Haitian authorities found Mr. Roche's body last week, days
after gunmen abducted him. Officials say he was burned and tortured
before being shot several times.

The journalist had hosted a television show for dozens of civic groups
that contributed to Mr. Aristide's ouster in February of last year.

Haiti has seen a mounting wave of violence as it prepares for
elections later this year. Hundreds of people have been killed since
September.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.


.