New York Daily News - http://www.nydailynews.com
Haitians loot and riot in revolt against Aristide Monday, February 9th, 2004 SAINT-MARC, Haiti - Embattled Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide faced the most serious challenge in months of anti-government protests as an armed revolt spread yesterday to several more cities in the impoverished Caribbean nation. Hundreds of frenzied looters stripped sea containers of their cargo in the port city of Saint-Marc and then set the empty containers ablaze. Aristide opponents also attacked the main police station, burned the courthouse and threw up a maze of barricades to thwart police, who tried but failed to take back control of the city a day earlier. "After Aristide leaves, the country will return to normal," said Axel Philippe, 34, among dozens massed on the highway leading to Saint-Marc, a city of about 100,000 about 45 miles northwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince. In addition to the uprising in Saint-Marc, police stations were attacked in the cities of Trou du Nord, Listere and Grand Goave, independent Radio Metropole said. At least 18 people have been killed since armed foes of Aristide began an assault Thursday, setting police stations on fire and driving officers from the northwestern city of Gonaives - Haiti's fourth-largest city - and smaller towns nearby. Anger has been brewing in Haiti since Aristide's party won flawed legislative elections in 2000. Aristide has said he intends to serve out his second term, to 2006. He still commands support in many areas, although opponents have accused him of relying on hired thugs. On Saturday night in Port-au-Prince, government supporters set up barricades with burning tires throughout the city, prompting organizers of an anti-government march set for yesterday to postpone it until Thursday. News Wire Services