Niemans Honor Journalist

The Nieman Foundation yesterday presented its Lyons Award for conscience and integrity in journalism to Haitian journalist Jean Mario Paul.

The 1992 class of Nieman fellows selected Paul, a 25-year-old correspondent with Radio Antilles Internationale in Haiti, for his enduring extreme political pressure to further the freedom of the press in Haiti.

About a year ago, during the political coup which ousted Haiti's elected President Aristide, the new government shut down six radio stations--including Radio Antilles Internationale where he worked.

The government arrested Paul on November 9, and imprisoned him for five months based on unsubstantiated charges of burning down military barracks and inciting others to do so, Paul said.

Not until Haitian and international human rights organizations staged intensive campaigns did the Haitian government release Paul on April 29.

In his acceptance speech Paul spoke of the desperate situation in Haiti, "a reality where the majority of the people are unemployed, a reality where most of the children are homeless, a reality where 80 to 90 percent of the people are illiterate."

For the situation to improve, Paul said the struggle for freedom of the press must continue so that the world learns more about the travesty in Haiti.

"This award arrives at a moment when the press is being silenced," Paul said.

"Freedom of speech doesn't exist, people are being tortured and jailed, radio stations are being closed, newspapers are being shut down."

Paul said he is determined to continue fighting for the freedoms he values. He said he will return to Haiti on October 2 for that cause--despite the dangers that he knows he will face again.

"We have to take a risk. We have to keep working. If we don't stand up and try to continue with our work, nothing will change, and the repressive situation will continue," Paul said after the ceremony.