1967–1970 – Anti-Communist Repression: Between 1967 and 1970, Duvalier intensified repression under the pretext of suppressing communist subversion.

1967–1970 – Anti-Communist Repression: Between 1967 and 1970, Duvalier intensified repression under the pretext of suppressing communist subversion. Following limited clandestine activity by the Parti Unifié des Communistes Haïtiens (PUCH), Duvalier exploited the moment to push through the Anti-Communist Law of April 1969. (Any “profession of communist belief, verbal or written, public or private” constituted a crime against national security.). Significance This law formally legalized ideological repression. Violence that had already existed became codified into law, marking the consolidation of Duvalier’s totalitarian state. Nuance: Most victims were not active communists. The law used a limited threat to justify widespread repression and strengthen Duvalier’s domestic control and Cold War alignment with the United States. ( Michel-Rolph Trouillot, Haiti: State Against Nation