18 Haiti Assassination Suspects Face Trial in Florida

Eighteen suspects in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been transported to Florida to face trial.

The United States (US) officials disclosed this on Sunday.

Moise was shot dead at his private home on July 7, 2021.

US officials said a group of about 20 Colombian mercenaries carried out the attack.

The FBI said the latest transfers showed its commitment to bringing everyone involved to justice.

“18 transported in military plane from Haiti to face American justice in the Southern District of Florida,” Prosecutor Jason Reding Quinones said.

Quinones added that 30 suspects have now been indicted over the killing.

Among those transported is Joseph Felix Badio, a former anti-corruption official at Haiti’s Ministry of Justice.

Haitian government and police sources said the other suspects are Colombian mercenaries.

Meanwhile, a Miami court convicted four men in May over their roles in the plot.

They were convicted of conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moise, providing material support and violating the US Neutrality Act.

They could face life in prison.

US prosecutors said the four men were linked to CTU, a Florida-based security firm.

They allegedly joined the plot after being promised lucrative contracts following Moise’s removal.

So far, 11 people have been indicted in US courts over the assassination.

Haiti has faced worsening political and security problems since Moise’s death.

The country currently has no president and is preparing for presidential and legislative elections on December 13.

A constitutional referendum is also planned for the same day, if security conditions allow.

However, gangs control about 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince.

Kidnappings, armed robberies and carjackings remain widespread.

A UN-backed force helping Haitian police fight the gangs is also facing delays.

Its spokesman said earlier this month that the force would not be fully staffed by October as initially planned.