Kraze Baryé Leader Innocent Calls for Peace but Faces Accusations of Human Rights Abuses in Haiti’s Lawless Gangland

The article explores an interview with Vitel’homme Innocent, also known as Kraze Baryé, who is on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” list for kidnappings and other crimes committed by his armed group in Haiti. Despite being accused of extensive human rights abuses and wanted by the authorities for several offences, including murder and arson, Innocent presents a different image when speaking with visitors to one of his bases in Port-au-Prince’s gangland. He claims that peace must be restored but under specific conditions. While many experts warn against taking displays of community leadership at face value as they believe all the leaders want is more power and control, Innocent portrays himself as a progressive figure who dreams of removing ‘oligarchs who prevent progress’. However, his coalition, Viv Ansanm, launched an unprecedented assault on Haiti’s institutions in February 2022. The article also highlights the current state of lawlessness and violence that has effectively shut down Port-au-Prince as a result of gang activities. Despite this, Innocent claims he would be willing to face justice if it was offered under fair conditions for all corrupt elites in Haiti’s society. However, some experts believe that the grip held by these groups is tenuous and could potentially crumble with a small specialized fighting force or a few hundred Marines being deployed into the country.