Haitian gang leader sanctioned by UK Government News
© WikiMedia (UK Government)
Haitian gang leader sanctioned by UK Government

The United Kingdom Government Wednesday imposed sanctions on Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier for “serious human rights abuses”. According to the sanction, Cherizier is one of Haiti’s most influential gang leaders and has been accused of performing acts that “threaten the peace, security and stability of Haiti.”

The decision follows a UN Security Council meeting earlier this month during which a UN official told the Council that Haiti was facing a human rights crisis amidst ongoing gang violence.

In October, the Security Council sanctioned Cherizier, citing human rights concerns. The Security Council sanction alleged that Cherizier was involved in planning the November 2018 Port-au-Prince attack, during which 71 civilians were killed, at least seven women were raped and over 400 homes were destroyed. The sanction alleged ongoing violence has been committed by Cherizier since 2018 and since October 11, 2022, Cherizier’s gang has prevented the movement of fuel from Haiti’s largest fuel terminal.

The sanction reflects the UN’s concern over the humanitarian crisis in the country and follows the recent joint report of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on sexual violence perpetrated by gangs in Port-au-Prince.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.