About me

My name is Michel Baljet and I am a Dutch researcher with an extensive journalistic background in working in war and crisis areas. Over the years I have worked with various media, organizations, committees and individuals.

During my career, I am driven by a passion for uncovering the truth and giving an unbiased view of events, often putting my safety on the line. I have worked in many different conflicts and crises; from the student protests in Venezuela to the refugee crisis in Europe, the G20 summit and the situation in Turkey and northern Syria.

I ended up in intensive care in August 2022, this has led to an ongoing period of medical recovery. Currently, I am not yet able to work in the challenging environments I am accustomed to, but I remain hopeful that I can return to the field when I am fully recovered and have permission from my doctors.

In the meantime, I have shifted my energy to writing about current events and sharing thought-provoking articles from my extensive archive. I am incredibly grateful for any support during these challenging times as an independent entrepreneur. Your encouragement and support play a decisive role in continuing to do my job and making a difference in the world.

Thank you for being part of my journey, I look forward to sharing more of my experiences and insights with you

Articles
Michel Baljet

Carlos Lehder Released: Medellín Cartel Co-Founder Walks Free in Colombia

Carlos Lehder Rivas, a founder of the notorious Medellín cartel, has been released from custody in Colombia following a court ruling that his previous drug trafficking conviction had expired. The decision, made by Judge Martha Yaneth Delgado, has reignited discussion in the Colombian legal system about justice for former cartel leaders. Lehder,...

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Articles
Michel Baljet

Bukele's prison strategy expands: El Salvador takes in criminals from U.S.

El Salvador, under President Nayib Bukele, has deployed a strict strategy against criminal gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18. This approach, known as the "Territorial Control Plan," was strengthened after an outbreak of violence claimed 87 lives in March 2022. The government declared a state of emergency, leading to massive arrests of suspected gang members and

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Articles
Michel Baljet

Haiti on the brink: Gangs, violence and hope for change

The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 has exacerbated Haiti's constitutional crisis. The parliament is no longer functioning and the judicial system is facing enormous problems. Late last month, the transitional council elected Garry Conille as the new prime minister; he arrived in Haiti this weekend. Will Conille be able to restore order and end the chaos gripping the country?

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Articles
Michel Baljet

333 days on an unknown front line

It's easy to talk in hindsight, we sometimes say. And I agree, sometimes that statement is rather simplistic. As a researcher, with conflict and crisis areas as my field of work, I have become familiar with uncertainty and chaos, with facing dangers from time to time. I have

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