(Le Floridien) — Arrest warrants have been issued for several high-profile figures, including former presidents Michel Martelly and Jocelerme Privert.
This comes as a judge takes action against more than 30 senior officials accused of corruption in Haiti, where it is uncommon for top-ranking officials to face legal consequences.”
Among others named are former prime ministers Laurent Lamothe, Jean-Michel Lapin, Evans Paul, Jean-Henry Ceant, and Claude Joseph, who was in power when former president Jovenel Moise was killed in 2021.
The warrants, issued Friday and leaked on social media over the weekend, accuse these officials of embezzling funds or equipment associated with Haiti’s National Equipment Center (CNE). This center is responsible for managing heavy machinery used in road construction and clearing operations after earthquakes.
Judge Al Duniel Dimanche has requested that those accused meet with him for questioning as the investigation continues.
While no one has been arrested in connection with the case, former Prime Minister Joseph wrote on Monday that he will meet with the judge as requested, despite denying the accusations.
“No one, regardless of their position in the state, is above the law. If a judge chooses to abuse their authority and manipulate justice, that’s their prerogative. I won’t disdain the justice system of my country. I will be present,” he wrote.
In a statement, former Prime Minister Lapin mentioned that he was never officially notified of the arrest warrant issued on Friday, but it was leaked over the weekend.
Former President Privert also released a statement asserting that the court “has no jurisdiction over the actions taken by presidents, prime ministers, and ministers in the exercise of their functions.”
