Then-Prime Minister Jacques Eduard Alexis blamed the opposition for the attacks, saying they were trying to destabilize the country before Aristide's inauguration. May. Lavalas won the legislative elections in a process marred by allegations the results were miscalculated in the party's favor. A month later, two Molotov cocktail devices were thrown at a U.S. Embassy official's residence. One soda bottle exploded in the front yard but caused no injuries or property damage. New Justice Chief Faces Major Obstacles Haiti's newly appointed Justice Minister Gary Lissade is well aware of the many obstacles he faces in trying to impose a bit of law and order.
Criminals often operate with near impunity.
The legal system is inefficient and plagued with corruption. The police force is understaffed, with some 3,000 officers in a country of nearly 8 million people. Lissade, who previously worked as an attorney for Aristide, told Reuters. ''There will be change. We need it. We have to.