51 People Indicted in Connection with Assassination of President Jovenel Moïse
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
A Haitian judge investigating the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 has indicted 51 people in connection with the attack, including his widow, Martine Moïse, and the leader who stepped in after the shooting.
Assassination and Investigation
A group of gunmen wielding assault weapons assassinated Moïse and wounded his wife at their home in the hills overlooking Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021. The indictment, revealed in a report by Judge Walther Voltaire, accuses the former first lady of complicity in the assassination and associating with criminals.
Martine Moïse and Claude Joseph Face Accusations
The indictment makes the same accusations against Claude Joseph, who briefly led the country after Moïse’s death. Léon Charles, the former chief of Haiti’s National Police who led the initial investigations, is also facing charges in relation to the assassination. Charles is currently Haiti’s permanent representative to the Organization of the American States, a regional diplomacy forum.
Former First Lady’s Involvement
The indictment sheds little light on the motive for the assassination and how it was financed. It also does not provide any direct evidence of the former first lady’s involvement, relying on interviews with a key witness, former Justice Ministry official Joseph Felix Badio. Badio, an accused orchestrator of the assassination, claims that Martine Moïse was part of the plot and wanted to become president. Martine Moïse’s whereabouts are currently unknown, and her lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
US Investigation and Ongoing Tensions
After U.S. federal investigators launched their own investigation into the killing, 11 men have been accused of conspiring to kill Moïse, while six have pleaded guilty. Haiti currently has no president or elected national officials and is struggling with gang violence. Monday’s report could further inflame tensions following recent violent protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Political Accusations and Denials
Critics of Prime Minister Henry, including former leader Claude Joseph, suspect that the indictment was politically motivated, a charge denied by Henry’s office. Joseph, who now leads an opposition party, accused Henry of weaponizing the Haitian justice system, alleging persecution of political opponents and calling it a classic coup d’état.
Latest Developments and Doubts
Top prosecutor sought charges against Prime Minister Henry, citing telephone conversations he allegedly had with Joseph Felix Badio after the assassination. Henry denied wrongdoing and fired the prosecutor. Judge Walther Voltaire, the fifth appointed to oversee the Haitian investigation, faced refusal from Martine Moïse to cooperate. The report also raises doubts about Martine Moïse’s public accounts, including her claim of hiding under the couple’s bed during the attack. According to investigators, there was not enough space for a person to hide under the bed.
Legal Proceedings
Those charged can appeal the judge’s findings within 10 days of receiving a copy of the indictment.
Pannett reported from Wellington, New Zealand.
