Haitian Times Faces Threats for Debunking Immigrant Pet-Eating Hoax

The Haitian Times, a 25-year-old online publication serving the Haitian community in the United States, is facing unprecedented harassment for its coverage of a false story about immigrants in Ohio. The publication, founded in 1999, has been targeted with racist messages and threats after debunking claims that immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, a city of approximately 60,000 people.

Garry Pierre-Pierre, founder and publisher of the Haitian Times, expressed concern over the situation: "We've never faced anything like this." The publication, which transitioned to an online-only format in 2012, has been forced to take extraordinary measures to protect its staff and operations.

One particularly alarming incident occurred on September 16, 2024, when Macollvie Neel, the New York-based special projects editor, experienced a "swatting" attack. This criminal harassment tactic, which originated among hackers in the 1990s, involves deceiving emergency services into sending a police response to a target's address. Neel described the experience as intimidating, noting that the perpetrators had not only obtained her address but also cleverly routed the false report through a Haitian advocacy group.

The Haitian Times has taken several precautionary steps in response to the threats. They have canceled a community forum planned for Springfield, Ohio, and disabled public comments on their stories related to the issue. Additionally, the publication has sought advice from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on protecting staff in the United States, having previously received safety training for their journalists in Haiti.

Despite the challenges, the Haitian Times remains committed to its mission of covering issues relevant to first- and second-generation Haitians in the United States, as well as reporting on events in Haiti. This commitment reflects the publication's role in serving the Haitian diaspora in the United States, estimated to be over 1 million people.

Pierre-Pierre, who emigrated to the United States in 1975, emphasized the publication's dedication to truthful reporting: "We do not want to hibernate. We're taking the precautions that are necessary. But our first duty is to tell the truth without fear or favor, and we have no fear." This sentiment echoes the motto of The New York Times, where Pierre-Pierre previously worked: "All the News That's Fit to Print."

The harassment faced by the Haitian Times highlights broader issues in journalism and society. Online harassment of journalists has been increasing globally in recent years, posing a significant threat to press freedom. The term "fake news," which gained prominence during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, has further complicated the media landscape and public trust in journalism.

"It's outrageous. We should not be having this conversation. Yet we are."

The Haitian Times' experience also reflects the complex dynamics of immigration in the United States, particularly in the Midwest, which has been experiencing demographic changes due to immigration in recent decades. The publication's coverage of these issues provides crucial context and perspective, especially given Haiti's unique history as the second-oldest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere after the United States.

In response to the situation, various organizations and individuals have offered support to the Haitian Times. The NAACP, founded in 1909, along with Haitian-American groups and other activists, have come to the aid of Springfield residents affected by the false story. Additionally, journalists from other publications, including The New York Times, have reached out to offer support.

As the Haitian Times continues to navigate this challenging situation, its commitment to truthful reporting remains unwavering. The publication's resilience in the face of threats serves as a testament to the importance of diverse voices in journalism and the ongoing struggle to protect press freedom in the digital age.