Ex Haiti PM, Ex First Lady, 46 others indicted in Moise's Assassination Trial

The assassination of Haitian President Jouvenel Moise is a complex and ongoing investigation, this month 48 individuals were indicted by Haitian authorities, including Moise’s widow, several former government officials and alleged Colombian mercenaries.

The indicted include the former first lady of Haiti, Martine Moise, the former Prime Minister of Haiti, Claude Joseph, the former Chief of Haitian National Police, Leon Charles, along with 45 other individuals including alleged Colombian mercenaries, Haitian politicians and businessmen.

All suspects are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, terrorism, assassination, and complicity in the assassination.

Walther Wesser Voltaire, the investigating judge, arrived at his indictments on the base of a 122-page report, however, the report and specific evidence have not yet officially been made public. There were also media reports which mentioned intercepted phone calls, witness testimonies, and financial transactions which have all been considered potential evidence, but their reliability remains uncertain as of this time.

Martine Moise’s involvement and indictment have been a point of contention and controversy since it was announced, some suspect this is some sort of a political move, and others suggest that the evidence put forward is insufficient.

No specific names have been put forward as to who specifically spearheaded this mass conspiracy.

There is much concern among the public that the indictments will further destabilize Haiti’s already volatile political environment. Long legal delays and trials are expected which could potentially take years to resolve.

The 122-page document may not officially have been released to the public, but local media outlet AyiboPost managed to collect and leak summaries of the document on the 19^th of February.

The leaked document does not clarify who the intellectual authors of the assassination could be. But it does suggest that the president’s widow allegedly conspired with former Prime Minister Claude Joseph to kill the president, intending to replace him herself.

The document described her statements as “so tainted by contradictions that they leave something to be desired and discredit her”.

The former first lady, Marie Étienne Martine Joseph Moïse, is also referred to a criminal court for her alleged involvement. The order underlines the existence of “serious, sufficient evidence” and “consistent charges” against her.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Henry’s office said the judge was independent and “free to issue his order in accordance with the law and his conscience”.