Haitian authorities begin unraveling Moïse murder plot
Port-au-Prince, Jul 14 (EFE).- Haitian authorities investigating the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on Wednesday offered details of how the murder plot was allegedly hatched and the suspected main actors.
Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a doctor living in the United States and unknown in Haitian politics who investigators say aspired to replace Moïse, was the main person responsible, said police chief Léon Charles at a press conference.
He also revealed that the alleged masterminds planned the crime during a meeting in a hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, of which visual evidence was presented.
A photograph of six suspected financiers and plotters was shown to the media.
In addition to Sanon, in the photo are Venezuelan Antonio Emmanuel Intriago Valera of CTU Security, which supposedly hired the Colombian mercenaries accused of perpetrating the attack, as well as Walter Veintemilla, head of the consulting firm suspected of financing the operation.
Also seen are former opposition senator John Joël Joseph, now a fugitive, Jacmel Mayor Marky Kessa, and James Solages, arrested along with the Colombian mercenaries and suspected of being the link with CTU Security.
So far, 23 people have been arrested, including 18 former Colombian military personnel and five Haitian-Americans, and precautionary measures have been applied against 24 agents and those responsible for the presidential security units.
The head of security of the presidential palace, Dimitri Hérard, did not appear in court Wednesday to testify before prosecutor Bed-Ford Claude.
In a letter sent to the Prosecutor’s Office, to which Efe had access, Hérard justified his absence by saying that the general inspector of police prevented him from attending.
On Tuesday, main inspector Amazan Paul Edd, and Commissioner Jean Lague also excused themselves from complying with their summons with the same argument.
A week after Moïse’s assassination, a vigil was called with floral offerings and the lighting of candles in front of the National Palace, organized by supporters of the president’s Tet Kale party.
The Haitian flag was flown at half mast and a large photo of Moïse served as an altar at which to deposit bouquets and light flames for the late president.
Outside the country, the United Nations General Assembly met Wednesday in a special session to pay tribute to Moïse, condemn his murder and offer condolences to Haiti. EFE
mmv/tw
