Widow, Aides of Slain Haitian President Indicted in Assassination Plot

The widow of late Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, Martine Moise, along with former Prime Minister Claude Joseph and ex-chief of police, faces charges of complicity in the assassination of the president. The revelation comes from a 122-page leaked document published by local media outlet AyiboPost on Monday.

The report alleges a conspiracy between Martine Moise and Claude Joseph to orchestrate the president’s murder with the intent of positioning Martine Moise as his successor. The indictments are expected to deepen the instability in Haiti, already grappling with a surge in gang violence and recovering from violent protests calling for the resignation of current Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Former police chief Charles, now Haiti’s permanent representative to the Organization of the American States, faces severe charges including murder, attempted murder, possession and illegal carrying of weapons, conspiracy against the internal security of the state, and criminal association. Meanwhile, Joseph and Martine Moïse, who was injured in the attack, are accused of complicity and criminal association.

Former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, in a statement to The Associated Press, accuses Prime Minister Ariel Henry of undermining the investigation and exploiting the president’s death. Joseph claims that Henry is using the Haitian justice system to prosecute political opponents and describes it as a “classic coup d’état.” Joseph continues to call for Henry’s resignation and emphasizes the need for justice to be served.

The leaked document includes statements from the former secretary general of the National Palace, Lyonel Valbrun, revealing alleged pressure from Martine Moïse to facilitate Joseph’s control of the president’s office for organizing a council of ministers. Additionally, the report casts doubt on Martine Moïse’s claims of seeking refuge under the marital bed during the attack.

Other individuals indicted in the report include Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a Haitian-American pastor envisioning himself as Haiti’s next president, Joseph Vincent, a Haitian-American and former DEA informant, Dimitri Hérard, presidential security chief, John Joël Joseph, a former Haitian senator, and Windelle Coq, a Haitian judge, reported to be a fugitive.

The report provides a harrowing account of the night of the assassination, citing a lack of adequate security and questionable responses from authorities. Since President Moïse’s death, Haiti has witnessed increased chaos, with postponed elections, a devastating earthquake, and growing influence of heavily armed criminal gangs. The nation remains in turmoil, grappling with security challenges and a leadership vacuum.