Haiti24News
February 18, 2025
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haiti’s Appeals Court in Port-au-Prince issued a landmark ruling on Monday, February 17, 2025, ordering former First Lady Martine Moïse and over a dozen political figures to appear personally for questioning in the investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, who was killed in his private residence on July 7, 2021. The decision marks a pivotal moment in a case that has fueled political chaos and public distrust in Haiti’s judicial system .
Among those summoned are Martine Moïse, who survived the attack but now faces accusations of “complicity in assassination” due to contradictions in her initial testimonies ; Claude Joseph, the former prime minister who briefly assumed power after the killing; and Antonio Cheramy, an ex-senator and opposition figure. Others include Jeantel Joseph, a former security official, and Louis Edner Gonzague Day, a close aide to the late president .
A Fractured Investigation
The court’s order follows years of stalled progress, contradictory testimonies, and allegations of political interference. During a recent hearing, Joseph Félix Badio, a former justice ministry official and key suspect, denied involvement in the assassination and demanded to confront human rights activist Pierre Espérance and ex-Justice Minister Rockefeller Vincent, whom he accused of slander . Meanwhile, 17 Colombian mercenaries—arrested for their alleged role in the attack—denied meeting Badio, further muddying the waters of the investigation .
Defense lawyers for the Colombians criticized Haitian authorities for interrogating their clients without legal representation and coercing signatures on documents they allegedly did not understand . Nathalie Delisca, an attorney representing the mercenaries, reiterated their innocence, stating, “They have nothing to do with Jovenel’s assassination” .
Political Turmoil and Accusations
The case has deepened Haiti’s political crisis, with Prime Minister Ariel Henry—who took power days after the assassination—facing allegations of obstructing justice. Claude Joseph, now indicted for conspiracy, has accused Henry of “weaponizing the judiciary” to eliminate rivals, claiming the prime minister was the “main beneficiary” of Moïse’s death . Henry has denied involvement, dismissing accusations as “fake news,” though phone records reportedly linked him to Badio hours after the murder .
Martine Moïse, who has repeatedly refused to cooperate with Haitian investigators citing safety concerns, recently appealed to former U.S. President Donald Trump to declassify FBI and State Department files related to the assassination. In a social media post, she drew parallels between her husband’s reformist agenda and Trump’s policies, alleging a coordinated effort by “oligarchic interests” to derail both leaders .
International Dimensions and Delayed Justice
While U.S. courts have convicted four individuals—including a retired Colombian soldier and a Haitian-Chilean businessman—for their roles in the plot, no trials have occurred in Haiti. Over 40 suspects remain in limbo, with many detained in undisclosed locations amid Haiti’s worsening gang violence and prison breaks .
The slow pace of justice has frustrated Haitians, 90% of whom live under gang control, according to UN estimates. “Politicians steal while we suffer,” said a Kenscoff resident, echoing widespread disillusionment .
What Comes Next
Judge Loubens Élysée, overseeing the case, has emphasized the need for transparency, stating that the summonses aim to “shed light on remaining shadows.” However, skepticism persists. Legal experts note that of 94 corruption cases forwarded to prosecutors since 2004, only one resulted in conviction—a grim precedent for accountability.
As Haiti braces for more hearings, the world watches to see if this judicial push will break the cycle of impunity or further entrench the nation’s chaos.
