PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A judge in Haiti overseeing the investigation of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse has indicted several high-profile figures, including the late president’s widow, Martine Moïse. The indictments are expected to further destabilize the already volatile situation in Haiti, as the country grapples with a surge in gang violence and continues to recover from violent protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
In a 122-page report, nearly 50 suspects, including Martine Moïse, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph, and former chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles, were indicted. Charles faces serious charges such as murder, attempted murder, possession and illegal carrying of weapons, conspiracy against the internal security of the state, and criminal association. Martine Moïse and Joseph, on the other hand, are accused of complicity and criminal association.
The investigation, now in its fifth phase under Judge Walther Wesser Voltaire, has faced several challenges, including previous judges stepping down due to fears for their safety.
The report also reveals testimonies and evidence indicating potential motives and machinations behind the assassination. Former prime minister Claude Joseph accused Prime Minister Ariel Henry of undermining the investigation and benefitting from the president’s death. Joseph alleged that Henry was using the Haitian justice system to prosecute political opponents, describing it as a “classic coup d’état.” In response to the indictments, Joseph renewed his call for Henry to resign, emphasizing the need for justice to be served.
The judge’s report also sheds light on the actions and statements of Martine Moïse before and after her husband’s assassination. According to testimonies, she exerted pressure to facilitate governmental changes and made contradictory statements that cast doubt on her credibility. The investigation also implicates several others, including Haitian-American individuals and former government officials, in connection with the assassination.
Meanwhile, the prosecution and extradition of suspects to the United States further complicate the situation. U.S. prosecutors have described the assassination plot as being hatched in both Haiti and Florida, with a total of 11 suspects facing federal charges in the killing of Haiti’s president.
The detailed report offers a comprehensive look into the events and circumstances surrounding President Moïse’s assassination, providing valuable insight into the complex web of motives and actors involved in this tragic incident. As the investigation continues, the indicted individuals and their associates will likely face mounting pressure to provide credible explanations for their actions and involvement in this high-profile case.