Arrest Warrants Issued for Haitian Officials Accused of Corruption
A judge in Haiti has issued arrest warrants for more than 30 high-ranking officials accused of government corruption, including numerous former presidents and prime ministers.
Accused Officials
The warrants, issued Friday and leaked on social media sites, accuse the group of misappropriation of funds or equipment related to Haiti’s National Equipment Center. The center is responsible for using heavy machinery for tasks such as building roads or clearing rubble, especially after earthquakes.
Among those named are former presidents Michel Martelly and Jocelerme Privert, as well as former prime ministers Laurent Lamothe, Jean-Michel Lapin, Evans Paul and Jean-Henry Céant. Also accused is former prime minister Claude Joseph, who was in power when former president Jovenel Moïse was killed in July 2021.
Denials and Reactions
None of those named in the arrest warrant could be immediately reached for comment, although Privert, Lapin and Joseph issued statements denying the allegations.
Lapin, a former prime minister, stated that he was never officially notified of the arrest warrant and that he had never become involved with the National Equipment Center during his 32-year political career.
Privert, a former president, accused the judge of acting maliciously and thoughtlessly, noting that the Court of First Instance in the capital of Port-au-Prince has no jurisdiction over the actions taken by presidents, prime ministers and ministers in the exercise of their functions.
Claude Joseph, a former prime minister, wrote on social media that he will meet with the judge as requested, despite rejecting any association with the National Equipment Center.
Investigation and Response
The judge is requesting that those accused meet with him for questioning as the investigation continues, but only Joseph has so far appeared in court.
No one has been arrested in the case, and it is common for Haitian government officials accused in a criminal or civil case to routinely ignore arrest warrants or requests for questioning and face no punishment as they accuse judges of political persecution.
Conclusion
The investigation into the alleged corruption is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether any of the accused officials will be brought to justice. The case highlights the challenges of combating corruption in Haiti and the need for greater transparency and accountability in government.
FAQs
Q: Who is accused of corruption in the case?
A: More than 30 high-ranking officials, including numerous former presidents and prime ministers, are accused of corruption.
Q: What is the National Equipment Center?
A: The National Equipment Center is responsible for using heavy machinery for tasks such as building roads or clearing rubble, especially after earthquakes.
Q: Have any of the accused officials been arrested?
A: No, no one has been arrested in the case.
Q: What is the next step in the investigation?
A: The judge is requesting that those accused meet with him for questioning as the investigation continues.