Gangs are currently terrorizing Haiti, yet social media platforms are allowing gang leader Izo Vilaj de Dye to incite violence and make money off their platforms. This has to stop.

At the end of the year 2022, BBC reported there were at least 1200 recorded cases of kidnappings in Haiti perpetrated by gang members. Reuters now reports that the early months of 2023 alone already count at least 389 kidnappings - a stark 173% increase from the same period last year. In general, gang violence (sexual violence, assaults and killing, and the forced displacement of over 160,000 locals fleeing gang-warring zones) has increased exponentially in recent years and they are believed to control at least 60% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Among those gangs terrorizing the country and also responsible for most of these kidnapping operations is the most pervasive and infamous gang called: “Baz 5 Segond” led by: "Izo Vilaj de Dye."

It’s time companies like TikTok and Instagram removed this violent man from their platforms.

Izo Vilaj de Dye is the infamous gang leader of one of the most violent gangs operating with impunity in Haiti currently. Yet, he proudly showcases himself as a rapper, musician, and record producer on Youtube. Recently, he was awarded a plaque from Youtube for raking in over 100,000 Subscribers. Although he resides in Haiti in the notorious Village De Dieu, ground zero for gang activity and control, Izo was able to get his plaque seemingly effortlessly and have quite an influential reach and growing presence online.

Youtube removed him within days of our petition launching. Sign to ask Instagram and TikTok to do the same.

Such a vicious character responsible for some of the most brutal crimes in Haiti right now deserves no praise, no recognition, and no platform to propagate his influence. It is worrisome and sickening that despite his atrocious crimes, he is seemingly "romanticized" and roaming free without a care in the world.  This is truly unacceptable. For the amount of violence and insecurity he is responsible for in Haiti, we cannot in good faith allow this individual to continue spreading his influence. He should be recognized globally for what he truly is and be banned across all platforms. Let's shut this man down once and for all.

We call for a complete social media ban for Izo Vilaj de Dye.