A judge has rejected an immunity claim by a former Haitian coup leader and recent senator-elect who is charged in a U.S. drug case.
The Miami federal judge ruled that Guy Philippe cannot use his November 20 election to the Haitian Senate to avoid prosecution in the U.S. Philippe was arrested four days before he was to officially take office on January 9.
The judge also rejected Philippe’s attempt to get the charges dismissed for several reasons, including claims that he was essentially kidnapped and illegally brought to the U.S.
Philippe has pleaded not guilty to drug smuggling and money laundering conspiracy charges that carry a maximum life prison sentence. The trial is set for April 3.
Philippe led a 2004 uprising that ousted then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
