HAITI
CONFIDENTIAL
Rating suggested by Department
8
Report by Latin American Department
Right No.
(i) Detentions without trial are wide-
spread. Estimates of the number of political prisoners in mid-1976 vary between 400 and 3,000, not counting those who have died or been killed. The number of "non- politicals" detained in this way is unknown.
(ii) Torture for politicals and non-
politicals alike is common.
(iii) There is no slavery.
(iv) The Duvalier regime tolerates no
expression of dissent, and freedom of expression is severely repressed.
(v) The judiciary is under tight control.
(vi)
While the freedom to form trades unions or associations is guaranteed under the Constitution, 80% of the population are rural peasants and industrial development is in its infancy. Govern- ment control is as great in this sector as in others.
(vii) Strict control is maintained on
"politicals", but little attempt is made to block the departure of those seeking better social and economic conditions in other countries.
CONFIDENTIAL
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