The investigation into the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse yielded surprising results. In a 122-page report made public on Monday, Martine Moïse, the late president’s wife, former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, and ex-chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles, among others, have been indicted.
The report was published by Judge Walther Wesser Voltaire, who interestingly is the fifth judge to oversee the investigation. His predecessors had to step down due to a variety of reasons, including fear for their safety.
President Moïse was assassinated on July 7, 2021, when his residence in Port-au-Prince was invaded by armed intruders. The attack resulted in his death and left his wife critically injured.
Judge Voltaire’s exhaustive report has resulted in the indictment of 51 people on a variety of charges, from criminal association to assassination.
The indictment of Martine Moïse, among the others, has caused the most discussion and debate. Her lawyers have staunchly defended her innocence, arguing that she had no reason to be involved in the attack. They have described the indictment as “an embarrassment” and contend that it unfairly challenges the legitimacy of the current Haitian government.
Also indicted, Claude Joseph has criticized the indictment as a way for current Prime Minister Ariel Henry to misuse the Haitian justice system. He strongly denies any involvement in the assassination plot and has called for international help in investigating the assassination, pointing to the complexity and global interest in the case.
Charles, who was the police chief during Moïse’s murder and currently serves as Haiti’s permanent delegate to the Organization of the American States, faces serious charges, including homicide, attempted homicide, unauthorized possession and transportation of firearms, conspiracy against the country’s domestic security, and involvement in various criminal activities.
In the aftermath of the assassination, Haitian authorities arrested 44 individuals, including 20 Colombians, underlining the suspected international nature of the conspiracy. Also, the United States has charged 11 men, six of whom have admitted guilt in a plot that was originally meant to kidnap but ultimately led to the assassination of President Moïse.
The indictments claim that Martine Moïse, in conspiracy with Police Chief Joseph, planned to succeed her late husband as Haiti’s president. This allegation contributes to a larger narrative of political ambition and intrigue, suggesting an intense power struggle within Haiti’s political elite.
The assassination and the ensuing indictments have not only worsened Haiti’s political instability but also raised doubts about the integrity of its justice system. Critics suggest that the indictments could be politically driven, meant to discredit adversaries and consolidate power within the existing administration. The case’s complexity is heightened by the participation of foreign nationals, including Colombian mercenaries and Haitian Americans, indicating a well-planned plot that extends beyond Haiti’s borders.
The indictments are expected to further destabilize Haiti as it struggles with a rise in gang-related crimes and recovers from a series of violent protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Henry.
