Haitian Coalition Urges Thorough Investigation in Shooting Death of Haitian Immigrant Georgy Louisgene
From: Dina Paul Parks
Contact: Dina Paul Parks 212-337-0005, x11
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.
Dina Paul Parks
Acting Director
National Coalition for Haitian Rights
275 Seventh Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10001
ph: 212-337-0005, x11
fx: 212-741-8749
email: dpparks@nchr.org
www.nchr.org
