According to a leaked document, a Haitian judge is leading the investigation into the 2021 murder of the country’s former president, Jovenel Moïse. The judge has charged 50 people, including Moïse’s widow and a former prime minister.
A 122-page document by Judge Walther Wesser Voltaire, released by AyiboPost, reveals that Martine Moïse, the widow of the president, colluded with former prime minister Claude Joseph to assassinate the president and take his place.
On the night of July 7, 2021, a group of armed individuals entered Jovenel Moïse’s bedroom in Port-au-Prince and fatally shot him. The attack also resulted in injuries to the ex-first lady.
The decree from the judge mandates the apprehension and prosecution of the accused individuals.
Former first lady did not immediately reply to Reuters’ request for feedback, and neither did Joseph. Moïse has condemned unjust detentions and political persecution on social media.
Joseph stated to the Miami Herald that Ariel Henry, the current prime minister and de facto successor to the president, is using the Haitian justice system to target opponents in what Joseph calls a “classic coup d’etat”.
A representative for Henry’s office stated that the judge had autonomy and was “able to make his ruling in compliance with the law and his own moral principles.”
Henry was chosen to take over for Joseph, who currently heads an opposing party, shortly before the assassination. He promised to hold elections, but has since delayed them indefinitely due to a destructive earthquake and the increasing influence of heavily armed criminal organizations.
According to estimates, the majority of the capital is under the control of gangs. In response, Kenya is getting ready to lead a United Nations-approved international force to assist the Haitian police. However, past reports of misconduct by foreign missions and accusations against Henry’s government have made other countries hesitant to offer their support.
A distinct instance involving the murder of Moïse is currently being heard in Miami. Out of the 11 defendants, six have admitted guilt in a scheme to hire Colombian mercenaries to abduct Moïse. However, at the last minute, the plan was altered to an assassination plot.
As per the charges filed by the United States, the individuals involved aimed to remove Moïse from power and install a Haitian-American pastor named Christian Emmanuel Sanon.
Source: theguardian.com
