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Haitian Montrealers ‘sad’ and ‘scared’ for people in Haiti

Click to play video: 'Montreal Haitians show support for people in Haiti'
Montreal Haitians show support for people in Haiti
WATCH ABOVE: A recent wave of deadly protests in Haiti has left Montreal’s Haitian community worried for people back home. As Global’s Felicia Parrillo reports, many gathered in front of the Haitian consulate in Montreal on Saturday to show their support – Feb 16, 2019

It’s been about two years since Stelline Metellus Auguste escaped her home in Haiti’s central plateau because of what she calls political unrest.

Watching the images and video coming out of her country now, she says brings back painful memories.

“I have family there — I have a son,” said Metellus Auguste. “He lives out in the country, but still he’s there in Haiti and there’s disorder everywhere in Haiti, in all the cities.”

WATCH: Concern growing for Quebecers in Haiti as violent protests continue

Click to play video: 'Concern growing for Quebecers in Haiti as violent protests continue'
Concern growing for Quebecers in Haiti as violent protests continue

Violent demonstrations began in Haiti a little over a week ago.

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Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse, something he refuses to do.

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“I’m scared for everyone, not just for my family, for friends and the people that live there,” she said. “It’s sad for everyone.”

Since the protests began, several people have been killed.

READ MORE: Canadian travel alert for Haiti raised as violent protests rage on

Haitians in Montreal say it’s hard to watch their country engulfed in violence and unrest.

“All the roads are barricaded, tires in flames, trees down, blocking every every passage,” said Mac Warner. “It’s sad.”

To show support for the people in Haiti, some gathered at the Haitian consulate in downtown Montreal on Saturday afternoon.

READ MORE: Quebecers stranded in Haiti amid violent protests expected back in Canada Saturday

They say, they want Haitians to know, they are standing with them in solidarity.

“I cannot be Haitian and just ignore what’s happening there,”said Frantz Andre, one of the organizers affiliated with a committee for people without status.

“I have to be part of the solution, not part of the problem by being silent.”

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