Angry Protests at Dominican Consulate in Haiti Over Slaying of Countryman
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Angry demonstrators hurled stones and tore down a sign at the Dominican Republic's consulate in Haiti on Friday to protest the decapitation slaying of a Haitian in Santo Domingo.
About 150 protesters massed outside the walled compound, but Haitian police prevented them from entering. U.N. peacekeepers with riot gear waited nearby but did not enter the fray.
Some protesters shoved pictures of the decapitated body into the faces of Haitian police as they yelled and pushed at the human barricade.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}At the embassy, demonstrators broke a window and burned a makeshift Dominican flag.
The protesters chanted "justice for Carlos," in reference to Haitian migrant Carlos Nerilus, whose decapitated body was found Saturday in what Dominican authorities described as an "incident between individuals."
Police Maj. Jose Lluberes said the slaying was meant to avenge the death of a Dominican businessman who was recently killed in the same way.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Prosecutor Miguel Morfe said a man identified as Confesor Reyes has been charged with involuntary homicide and possession of an illegal weapon. A judge has ordered him to remain in prison for three months as authorities investigate.
Reyes' attorney, Isaias Matos, said his client is innocent and argued unsuccessfully against his detainment. It is unclear what kind of evidence police have against Reyes.
Haitian officials have questioned whether Dominican police could have prevented Nerilus' killing.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The neighboring countries have a bitter history. An estimated 1 million people of Haitian descent live in the Dominican Republic, often suffering lots of discrimination and violence.