In a recent development concerning the investigation into the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in Haiti, a judge has formally charged several prominent figures, including the late president’s widow, Martine Moïse, former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, and ex-chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles.
This report, obtained on Monday, indicates a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice.
The indictments, contained in a comprehensive 122-page report by Judge Walther Wesser Voltaire, are expected to exacerbate the already precarious situation in Haiti.
The nation grapples with escalating gang violence and attempts to recover from a series of violent demonstrations demanding the resignation of current Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Among those indicted, Léon Charles, who served as police chief during President Moïse’s assassination and currently represents Haiti at the Organization of American States, faces the gravest charges, including murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of weapons, conspiracy against the state’s internal security, and involvement in criminal associations.
Widow accused of complicity
Meanwhile, both Claude Joseph and Martine Moïse, who was injured in the attack, stand accused of complicity and involvement in criminal associations.
In his report, Judge Voltaire highlights revelations from Lyonel Valbrun, former secretary general of the National Palace, who alleges pressure from Martine Moïse to make office space available to Claude Joseph for the organization of a council of ministers. Valbrun also claims that Martine Moïse spent hours removing items from the National Palace in the days leading up to her husband’s assassination.
The judge also stated in his report that Martine Moïse “suggested” she took refuge under the marital bed to protect herself from the attackers, but he noted that authorities at the scene found that not “even a giant rat…whose size measures between 35 and 45 centimeters” could fit under the bed.
The judge said the former first lady’s statements were “so tainted with contradictions that they leave something to be desired and discredit her.”
Further complicating the situation, additional individuals, including Haitian-American pastor Christian Emmanuel Sanon, former DEA informant Joseph Vincent, presidential security chief Dimitri Hérard, former senator John Joël Joseph, and judge Windelle Coq, face charges related to the assassination. Some have already been extradited to the United States, where they face federal charges, with several already sentenced.
