Former police officer Jimmy “Grill” Cherichier is the leader of the “G9” alliance.
Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer who became the leader of the brutal gang known as the Barbecues, reportedly orchestrated a mass prison break that freed nearly 3,700 inmates and solidified the His power as a major threat to Haiti’s stability. subway.
Cherizil, who leads a powerful alliance of gangs known as the G9 Families and Allies, has long been accused of horrific acts of violence. He allegedly earned his nickname for his brutal behavior, which included burning his opponents alive. According to reports, he orchestrated the 2018 Lhasalin massacre, which left more than 70 people dead and hundreds of homes destroyed. news media
Despite facing accusations of human rights abuses, Cherizil has gained some support by portraying himself as a protector of the poor. However, critics say it is a smokescreen to control local businesses through extortion.
After Cherizil was fired from the police force, he founded the Group of Nine, which has been blamed for numerous massacres of civilians in recent years. Some claim there was a secret deal between Cherizil and the former president to allow the G9 to operate with impunity in exchange for maintaining order.
The assassination of the president in 2021 plunged Haiti into further chaos. Gangs including the G9 now control much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, turning it into a dangerous place for kidnappings, killings and rapes. This violence is exacerbated by food shortages, disease outbreaks and fuel crises.
The recent prison break orchestrated by Cherizil marks an escalation of danger. Authorities fear the released prisoners will further strengthen gangs and exacerbate an already dire situation in Haiti.
Cherizil is one of five gang leaders sanctioned by the United Nations and the United States. The impact of these sanctions is unclear.
