Opinion ID: 1237154
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: 1993-2003: Visits to Haiti

Text: Brezilien subsequently returned to Haiti three times, each time for less than two weeks. In 1998, Brezilien traveled to Haiti because two of his older brothers had been killed by the Ton Ton Macoutes. His mother told him that they had been working in a political office for Rene Preval and Aristide in Port-au-Prince. According to Brezilien's mother, one of his brothers was gunned down as he entered the office, and then the Ton Ton Macoutes went inside the office and shot his other brother. No one was arrested in connection with the murders. Although he was afraid to do so, Brezilien returned to Haiti for his brothers' funerals. Fearing that someone would recognize and kill him, Brezilien dressed as a woman after his arrival in Haiti. Because the Ton Ton Macoutes knew that Brezilien's mother and his deceased father were affiliated with Aristide, he felt that he could not safely stay at his mother's house. Brezilien stayed instead with his aunt, who was not well-known, and did not travel to Port-au-Prince at all. Brezilien attended his brothers' funerals, both held on the same day, though he felt that it was dangerous for him to do so. When he left Haiti, Brezilien again took precautions so as not to be recognized. Despite ongoing political turmoil in Haiti, Brezilien returned on two other occasions, in 2000 and 2003, to visit his mother, who was hospitalized with heart problems. Although Brezilien did not want to return to Haiti, his mother thought she was going to die, and asked him to come see her. During both trips, Brezilien disguised himself at the airport. He stayed with his aunt and uncle and did not go out, fearing that his life was in danger.