Haitian gang leader calls for Radio TV Caraibes journalist’s assassination

Miami, December 4, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply alarmed by threats made against Radio TV Caraibes (RCTV) news host Ronald Desormes by Haitian gang leader Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier, and calls on the Caribbean nation’s authorities to take comprehensive steps to ensure Desormes’ safety.

In a widely disseminated social media video reviewed by CPJ, Cherizier — leader of the “Viv Ansamn” gang coalition that has laid siege to Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince — appeared to offer a $50,000 reward for Desormes’ life as he expressed general frustrations over the independent outlet’s coverage.

“We continue to be concerned with the lack of security protections in Haiti for journalists and the country more broadly. It is vital that police and government authorities take all necessary measures to protect Desormes from gang retaliation,” said CPJ U.S., Canada, and Caribbean Program Coordinator Katherine Jacobsen. “Threatening to attack journalists sends a chilling message to all people in Haiti that no one is safe if they challenge the lawless authority of the country’s gangs.”  

Radio journalists in Haiti have been on the frontlines of covering the country’s security crisis after the Viv Ansamn took control of large parts of the capital Port-au-Prince last year.

RTVC is the oldest independent radio station in Haiti and was forced to abandon its offices earlier this year after gang attacks which have continued against other radio stations.

CPJ was unable to contact Cherizier as he is a fugitive from justice, and Viv Ansanm, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., does not have a legal representative.