More than two and a half years after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, 51 suspected accomplices have reportedly been charged in the Caribbean country, including the head of state’s widow, Martine Moise. She was shot during the attack.
The suspects also include then Prime Minister Claude Joseph, then police chief Leon Charles and the head of Moise’s bodyguard. This is evident from the 122-page indictment against the responsible investigating judge, which the portal “AyiboPost” published on Monday and from which other media quoted.
Moise was killed with twelve shots in his home on the night of July 7, 2021. According to the investigation, approximately twenty Colombian mercenaries committed the crime on behalf of various masterminds. According to the American legal system, the conspirators’ original plan was to kidnap Moise and replace him as head of state.
The background is still not completely clear
These are the first charges in Haiti in the case. In the American state of Florida, where the attack was partly planned, eleven suspects have already been charged and four of them have been sentenced to life imprisonment. The background to the crime has still not been conclusively clarified.
Martine Moise is accused of conspiracy to commit murder. She allegedly stated, among other things, that she hid under a bed during the attack. However, the opening under the bed was not high enough for this, the judge wrote. According to the New York Times, her lawyer denied the allegations before the indictment and told the newspaper that his client was in hiding.
The country has no parliament or president
Shortly after the assassination, interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry took over the government of Haiti. There have been no elections since then and the country has no president or parliament. Vicious gangs control most of the capital Port-au-Prince. An international police operation approved by the UN Security Council has not yet taken place.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
