A Haitian judge has leveled indictments against 51 individuals implicated in the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, including his wife, Martine Moïse, accused of complicity despite sustaining serious injuries during the attack.
The indictment by Judge Walther Voltaire does not directly accuse Martine Moïse of orchestrating the killing, but alleges complicity based on contradictory statements from her and others, with one main defendant claiming she plotted with others to seize the presidency.
Martine Moïse’s lawyer, Paul Turner, based in South Florida, has denied the allegations, asserting she was a victim of the attack alongside her family.
Following the assassination, Martine Moïse criticized the Haitian investigation for its perceived lack of effort in uncovering the masterminds behind the crime.
President Moïse was assassinated on July 7, 2021, when Colombian commandos, hired by a Miami-area security firm, stormed the presidential residence, resulting in his and his wife’s injuries.
The indictment questions Martine Moïse’s account of hiding under the bed during the attack, citing discrepancies, and also relies on the testimony of a key witness, Joseph Badio, a former official accused of orchestrating the assassination.
While the indictment provides details of the assassination night, including Martine Moïse’s injuries, it fails to elucidate the motive or financing of the crime.
A parallel U.S. investigation in Miami has led to federal charges against 11 men, with six pleading guilty and the rest awaiting trial, where Martine Moïse is expected to testify.
Critics argue the Haitian indictment is politically tainted, alleging Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s government is exploiting the investigation to target critics, including Martine Moïse and former Prime Minister Claude Joseph.
The Haitian Prime Minister’s office denies interference in the investigation, asserting the judge’s independence. However, the initial complaint was prepared by a political appointee of the current government.
The accused have 10 days to appeal the indictment, which comes amidst Haiti’s escalating violence, with gangs controlling parts of the capital, and the absence of elected officials after the expiration of legislative terms.
Despite a Kenyan court blocking the deployment of a UN-approved security force to Haiti, the Kenyan government plans to send police officers to assist in quelling the violence.
