Are the gangs organized like organized crime groups in western countries?
Not to that extent, no. When I speak of organized crime, I mainly mean assaults that have been committed for money rather than for political reasons. Political crimes have become crimes of ordinary law. There are still groups that have been called former chimres or supporters who, in the name of their association with Lavalas, continue to persecute other people. This phenomonen is diminishing, but it has not disappeared completely. Question 8: Do the gangs also use violence against the most underprivileged when they start to resist the armed gangs? A poor neighbourhood may be under threat from armed groups. Indeed, a kidnapped person who is left in a shantytown is watched by a family who takes care of the person and who cannot really go to the police. The gangs also need protection. These families act under threat from these groups. Question 9: Do the gangs operate in a particular neighbourhood? Yes, they all have their own territory, and their members take many security measures. They
