PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A Haitian judge has brought charges against the widow of the late president and a former prime minister in connection with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse last year. The judge’s decision marks a significant development in the investigation into the murder and raises questions about the involvement of high-ranking officials in the plot.
Martine Moïse, the widow of the slain president, was charged with complicity in the assassination and participation in a criminal conspiracy. Former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who took office just days before Moïse’s death, was also charged with complicity and knowledge of the plot. Both individuals deny any involvement in the crime.
President Moïse was assassinated at his private residence on July 7, 2021, in a brazen attack carried out by a group of armed assailants. The investigation into his murder has been ongoing, with numerous arrests made in the months following the incident. However, this is the first time that charges have been directly brought against high-profile figures in the government.
The charges against the widow and the former prime minister have brought additional scrutiny to Haiti’s political landscape. The Caribbean nation has long been plagued by political instability, corruption, and violence. The assassination of President Moïse exacerbated these existing issues and sparked widespread unrest and protests throughout the country.
The judge’s decision to charge Martine Moïse and Ariel Henry suggests that the authorities believe there was a larger conspiracy behind the assassination. It remains to be seen what evidence the judge has uncovered to support these charges and how this development will impact the ongoing investigation.
The widow of the late president released a statement following the announcement of the charges, vehemently denying any involvement and expressing her confidence in the justice system to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Ariel Henry, who was named prime minister after the assassination and has vowed to address the country’s challenges, has yet to comment publicly on the charges against him.
The charges against Martine Moïse and Ariel Henry indicate a significant development in the investigation into President Moïse’s assassination. However, it is important to note that these are allegations and that both individuals are entitled to a fair and impartial trial. The case will now proceed to the next stages of the legal process, where all evidence will be presented and evaluated.