Haitian student killed in anti-government protest

Saturday, November 15, 2003

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFP): A young female student was shot and killed on Thursday in the city of Gonaives as police broke up an anti-government protest, according to sources at the scene.

The 21-year-old student is the second to die there this week in connection with the protests. A girl aged seven died of her wounds after being shot when police opened fire on a similar protest Monday.

The woman's death came as Haitian police used teargas and fired shots into the air in the capital to prevent clashes between rival groups of protesters, after 1,000 students took to the streets to demand President Jean Bertrand Aristide's resignation.

The student protesters, who marched through the center of the capital, had the backing of unions and groups close to the political opposition.

The protest was peaceful until a group of Aristide supporters formed a counter-demonstration insisting Aristide finish his five-year term.

Violent protests have rocked the Caribbean nation since September 23, when Amiot Metayer, a gang leader close to the ruling party, was found dead.

At least 13 people have died and 39 others have been wounded in the unrest.

Metayer's followers believe he was betrayed and that Aristide ordered his killing. They have since sided with opposition groups.

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