Yves Volel

Yves Volel (1934–1987) was a Haitian lawyer, activist, and presidential candidate. He was assassinated in 1987 while running for office. He was the leader of an offshoot of the Haitian Christian Democratic Party, led by Sylvio Claude, known as the Christian Democratic Rally.

Early life Yves Volel was born in 1934. He graduated from the Military Academy in 1954, and was classmates with Henri Namphy. He served in the Haitian military as an officer. One of his students was Anderson Cooper, who has spoken about his teacher on CNN.

While in New York, he set up a refugee help group known as Operation Exodus.

Volel became a critic of the Namphy government. Volel was a supporter of major strikes that shut down Haitian cities in 1987. The next day the police released a statement saying Volel had been armed and attempting to force his way into the station, though witnesses disputed their description.

His death was mourned by Haitian author Pierre Metellus.