HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

March 2, 2012. Aristide supporters planning rallies throughout March in Haiti

SOURCE: Altegrity Risk International

Supporters of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide are planning rallies this month to demonstrate the power of his Lavalas party and protest the country's current government, according to reports on March 1st. The marches, including one next week, aim to mark special occasions such as the day Aristide returned last year from seven years in exile. The planned street marches come one day after several thousand Aristide supporters surprised Haitians by showing the level of support he still has in the shanty strongholds where he built his following as a young priest. Aristide has kept out of the public spotlight since he came back last year and his absence has fueled speculation over what he may be up to.

His supporters had previously held a few rallies on his behalf but turnout usually drew no more than a couple hundred people.