Widow Indicted in President’s Assassination

Martine Moïse, the widow of Haiti’s late President Jovenel Moïse, has been named in a 122-page report issued by Judge Walther Wesser Voltaire, accused of complicity and criminal association in connection to her husband’s assassination in 2021.

Allegations Against Martine Moïse

According to former secretary general of the National Palace, Lyonel Valbrun, Martine Moïse allegedly laid out plans to succeed her husband just two days after his assassination. Valbrun claimed she pressured officials to facilitate the transition of power to Prime Minister Claude Joseph.

Inconsistencies in Account

Investigators noted inconsistencies in Martine Moïse’s account of the night her husband was killed, including her claim of hiding under the bed during the attack, which was deemed improbable by forensic evidence.

Suspicious Activities

Martine Moïse raised suspicion when she removed items from the National Palace late at night, two days before her husband’s murder, according to Valbrun. However, direct evidence linking her to the murder is lacking in the indictment.

 

The widow of Haitian President Jovenel Moise

Political Claims and Denials

Former Prime Minister Joseph and others indicted in the case have accused current Prime Minister Ariel Henry of politically motivated prosecutions. Henry denies the allegations.

Legal Defense and Witness Status

Martine Moïse’s lawyer, Paul Turner, has denied allegations of her involvement in the murder, stating that she was a victim. Martine Moïse is reportedly in hiding but expected to testify in a separate case related to her husband’s murder in the US.

Ongoing Investigation

Meanwhile, in Florida, an investigation into Jovenel Moïse’s murder has resulted in charges against 11 individuals, with some pleading guilty and others awaiting trial in May. Haiti continues to grapple with unrest and violence amid the absence of elected officials at the national level.