Aiexpress – According to a report obtained on Monday, a judge in Haiti investigating the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 has indicted several individuals, including his widow Martine Moïse, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph, and the former chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles.
The indictments are likely to worsen the situation in Haiti, which is already grappling with a sharp rise in gang violence and is in the process of recovering from a series of violent protests calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
In the 122-page report issued by Walther Wesser Voltaire, the fifth judge to lead the investigation, dozens of suspects were indicted. This comes after previous judges had to step down for various reasons, including the fear of being killed.
Charles, who served as the police chief during Moïse’s assassination and currently holds the position of Haiti’s permanent representative to the Organization of the American States, is facing a range of grave charges. These charges include murder, attempted murder, possession and illegal carrying of weapons, conspiracy against the internal security of the state, and criminal association.
Joseph and Martine Moïse, who sustained injuries during the attack, are currently facing accusations of complicity and criminal association.
Charles was unavailable for immediate comment, and there was no response from Martine Moïse’s attorney regarding the matter.
Joseph, the former prime minister, has accused Henry of “undermining” the investigation and benefiting from the president’s death in a statement shared with The Associated Press.
Joseph once again urged Henry to step down from his position. He emphasized that, during his time as prime minister, he had reached out to the FBI to assist in the investigation of the murder. Additionally, he had written to the United Nations (U.N.) and the Organization of American States (OAS) to request their support.
“I will not give up my fight. It is imperative that justice be served,” he declared.
The judge’s report highlighted that Lyonel Valbrun, the former secretary general of the National Palace, revealed to authorities that he faced significant pressure from Martine Moïse to make the president’s office available to Joseph. The reason behind this pressure was Joseph’s need to utilize the office for the purpose of organizing a council of ministers.
According to Valbrun, Martine Moïse visited the National Palace two days before her husband’s death and spent nearly five hours there, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., removing “a bunch of things.”
Martine Moïse reached out to him just two days after the assassination of Jovenel Moïse and expressed her dissatisfaction with her late husband’s actions. She stated, “Jovenel didn’t do anything for us.” Martine insisted that the office needed to be reopened and shared the president’s plan of appointing a council of ministers. She revealed that Jovenel had instructed Ti Klod to organize this council and hold elections within three months, with the intention of her becoming the president. Martine emphasized that it was time for them to seize power.
The document did not specifically identify Ti Klod as the former prime minister, but it is widely known that Claude Joseph is referred to by that name.
The judge criticized the former first lady, stating that her statements were filled with contradictions, which raised doubts and undermined her credibility.
Over 40 suspects are currently in prison in Haiti, awaiting trial. The timing of the trial following Monday’s indictments is yet to be determined. Notably, among the incarcerated individuals are 20 former Colombian soldiers.
Milena Carmona, the wife of Jheyner Alberto Carmona Flórez, adamantly maintains his innocence, according to her conversation with The Associated Press.
According to the former soldiers, this crime is not just an isolated incident but a massive conspiracy orchestrated by influential individuals who are controlling the entire operation behind the scenes. This is the reason why they have not been granted their freedom.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the plot to kidnap or kill Moïse was devised in both Haiti and Florida. The 53-year-old president was assassinated at his private residence near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.
Witnesses have reported that the attack commenced on the evening of July 6 and concluded on July 7.
According to Moïse, the presidential residence was supposed to be guarded by a group of approximately 30 to 50 police officers. However, the judge observed that only a few officers were present on that particular night. One officer testified that he heard explosions and a voice coming through a megaphone, instructing, “Do not shoot! It’s a DEA operation! US Army! We know how many officers are inside. Exit with two hands lowered.”
According to another officer, the head of security for the first lady discovered her in a critical condition, accompanied by her two children. He also witnessed several individuals exiting the president’s residence carrying briefcases and multiple envelopes.
Inspector General André Vladimir Paraison stated in the report that the president contacted him at 1:46 a.m., urgently exclaiming, “Paraison! Man, hurry up! I’m in trouble! Come quickly and save my life.” He further revealed that he faced a daunting situation with heavily armed individuals, making it difficult for him to promptly reach the residence.
According to the report, the judge revealed that certain police officers present at the residence were disarmed and handcuffed, while others managed to safeguard themselves by throwing themselves down a ravine. Furthermore, it was alleged that the police officer responsible for presidential security received a bribe of $80,000 to ensure the inactivity of certain officers during the assassination.
