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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dina
Paul Parks, 212-337-0005, x11
Haitian Coalition Urges Thorough Investigation in Shooting Death of Haitian Immigrant
Georgy Louisgene
NEW YORK, January 23,
2002 -- The National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR)
is deeply saddened and concerned about the recent shooting of
23-year-old Haitian immigrant, Georgy Louisgene. Mr. Louisgene
was fatally shot five times by the police during an encounter
at a Brooklyn housing project on Wednesday January 16, 2002.
According to the police, Mr. Louisgene was allegedly armed
with a knife and gardening tool and refused to put these items
down, even after repeatedly being ordered to do so. In
apparent fear for their lives, they fired eight bullets,
hitting him five times.
"We are troubled by the mysterious circumstances
surrounding this terrible incident," said Dina Paul Parks,
NCHR’s Acting Director. While news reports portraying
Louisgene as a nameless, deranged man erratically roaming the
streets began circulating the evening of the 16th, a
thorough examination, by the general press or the police, has
yet to establish the full facts of the case. In addition, Mr.
Louisgene’s body was not identified until 27 hours after his
death. "This crucial lapse in the handling of the case gives
the appearance of indifference in the face of tragedy,"
added Ms. Paul Parks. "The community needs to be assured
that we will always be shown the requisite concern and
respect."
NCHR demands a thorough investigation by the New York
Police Department and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s
office to ensure that the police officers involved acted
within the bounds of the law. As a test case for new Mayor
Michael Bloomberg, Mr. Louisgene’s death presents an
unfortunate opportunity for his administration and Police
Commissioner Raymond Kelly to reassure the Haitian community,
as well as the City overall, that they will not tolerate
excessive use of force from the department.
We applaud the meeting called yesterday by the 67th police
precinct Assistant Chief, Joseph Fox, to reach out to the
community where this incident took place and attempt to open
the lines of communication. We urge the faithful and sincere
continuation of such initiatives. Having addressed this
issue of relations between the NYPD and the Haitian community
for the past two years, NCHR is well aware of the potential
for harm if these efforts are perceived as feeble public
relations tactics.
NCHR also extends its condolences to the family of Mr.
Louisgene.
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