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Moïse, Jovenel

Investigation into President Jovenel Moïse's Assassination Stalls in Haiti

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Four years after Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was gunned down at his home in Port-au-Prince, not a single suspect has faced trial, despite 20 being held in the investigation. The case has been plagued by gang violence, death threats, and a crumbling judicial system, with six Haitian judges struggling to determine whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial for the 51 suspects. The investigation has been repeatedly halted by judge resignations, defense appeals, and courthouse takeovers by powerful gangs.

Key Takeaways:

  • 20 suspects are being held in the investigation, including 17 former Colombian soldiers and three Haitian officials.
  • None of the suspects have faced trial yet, despite the investigation being ongoing for nearly four years.
  • The case has been marred by gang violence, death threats, and a crumbling judicial system.
  • Six Haitian judges are currently investigating the case, but are facing numerous challenges, including outbursts and tense exchanges with suspects and judges.
  • Determining complicity among 51 suspects is just one of the many challenges facing the investigation.
  • Powerful gangs have seized control of the downtown Port-au-Prince courthouse, forcing the investigations to take place in private homes.
  • Defense attorneys have appealed the court's decision to proceed with trials, citing a lack of evidence.
  • Some suspects have alleged mistreatment by authorities, including beating, threats with death, and forced signing of documents in a language they don't understand.
  • The U.S. has charged 11 extradited suspects in the case, with five already pleading guilty to conspiring to kill Moïse.
  • Moïse's widow, Martine Moïse, is expected to testify in the U.S. case, which is scheduled for March 2026.

Statistics:

  • 51 suspects are involved in the investigation.
  • 20 suspects are being held.
  • 17 are former Colombian soldiers.
  • 3 are Haitian officials.
  • 3 other suspects, all Colombians, were killed hours after Moïse was slain.
  • 1 key suspect, Haitian Superior Court Judge Windelle Coq Thélot, died in January while still a fugitive.
  • The investigation has been ongoing for nearly 4 years.
  • The U.S. has charged 11 extradited suspects, with 5 already pleading guilty to conspiring to kill Moïse.
  • The U.S. case is scheduled for March 2026.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press, July 7, 2021, article about President Moïse's assassination.
  • The Associated Press, April 2023, article about the investigation into the assassination.
  • The Associated Press, March 2023, article about the U.S. charges against 11 extradited suspects.
  • Haitian judicial system reports and documents cited in the article.

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