Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


President's Office Denies Unknown Assailants Targeted Leader's Son

by Sandra Lemaire

   PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI --

   The office of Haitian President Jovenel Moise has denied that the car
   of the leader's eldest son came under attack by four gunmen.

   Media reports claim the car was making its way down Nazon, a main
   thoroughfare in the capital, Port-au-Prince, when the assailants
   struck.

   "The office calls on all sectors of the population not to give in to
   disinformation practices that have become commonplace in recent times
   in the country," the statement said.

   Police in the capital city told VOA they have no information on an
   attack involving the president's son.

   Joverlin Moise was not in the car -- the driver had just dropped him
   off at an undisclosed location -- when the alleged gunmen shot at the
   white Toyota Land Cruiser, a source close to the president who did not
   wish to be named, told VOA Creole. The car, equipped with some
   bulletproof features, sustained several bullet holes.

   It is unclear whether the president's son was specifically targeted or
   whether it was a random attack.

   The attack comes amid calls for Moise's departure after massive
   nationwide protests last week against the alleged mismanagement of $3.8
   billion in government funds earned under an oil agreement with
   Venezuela.

   The president also has been criticized for not adequately responding to
   the Oct. 6 earthquake that left hundreds homeless in the northwest.