Thousands march to protest kidnapping in Haiti

By Joseph Guyler Delva

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Thousands of demonstrators took to the chaotic streets of Haiti's capital on Wednesday to protest an increase in kidnappings in the impoverished Caribbean nation this year and demand a crackdown on those responsible.

The protest was peaceful for the most part. But many of the estimated 6,000 demonstrators called for the death penalty for kidnappers and chanted slogans against judges and police authorities they accused of being soft on crime.

"Kill the kidnappers and arrest corrupt judges who release them in exchange for money," shouted one group, as they milled outside the Justice Palace where judges regularly hold sessions.

"There should be no prison for kidnappers. They should be sent directly to the grave and to hell," said Muthurin Beauvoir, a 35-year-old protester.

At least 160 people have been kidnapped for ransom since the start of the year, according to Haitian and U.N. police. That compares to 237 for all of 2007 and puts the country on track for a significant increase in abductions, which can often end in killings even when ransoms are paid.

U.N. police spokesman Fred Blaise said on Wednesday at least 36 people were kidnapped in May but many cases go unreported.

Haiti has suffered endemic political upheaval and prolonged periods of brutal dictatorship since French rule ended with a slave revolt more than 200 years ago.

There was an overall improvement in the security situation last year under President Rene Preval, who is seeking to build a stable democracy in the poorest country in the Americas.