Current:Home > InvestHaitian judge issues arrest warrants accusing former presidents and prime ministers of corruption-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Haitian judge issues arrest warrants accusing former presidents and prime ministers of corruption
View Date:2024-12-23 20:39:51
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — 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.
The warrants, issued Friday and leaked on social media sites over the weekend, 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.
None of those named in the arrest warrant could be immediately reached for comment, although Privert, Lapin and Joseph issued statements denying the allegations.
No one has been arrested in the case.
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.
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. It is also rare for any high-ranking Haitian official to be charged with corruption, let alone face trial.
Local newspaper Le Nouvelliste obtained a copy of a statement issued by Lapin, a former prime minister, in which he states that he was never officially notified of the arrest warrant.
He also said that at no time during his 32-year political career did he ever become involved with the National Equipment Center.
“I have also never requisitioned or requested the use of any equipment from this institution for my personal needs or for loved ones,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Privert, a former president, issued a statement accusing the judge of acting maliciously and thoughtlessly. He also noted 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.”
The judge could not be immediately reached for comment.
Ex-prime minister Claude Joseph wrote Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he will meet with the judge as requested even though he rejected any association with the National Equipment Center.
“No one, regardless of the position you held in the state, is above the law,” he wrote. “If a judge decides to abuse his office by abusing justice, that is his business. I will not despise the justice of my country. I will be present.”
No further details about the investigation were immediately available.
veryGood! (2)
Related
- Jimmy Kimmel, more late-night hosts 'shocked' by Trump Cabinet picks: 'Goblins and weirdos'
- Congo says at least 129 people died during an attempted jailbreak, most of them in a stampede
- George Clooney calls Joe Biden 'selfless' for dropping out of 2024 presidential race
- The presidential campaigns brace for an intense sprint to Election Day
- Mandy Moore Captures the Holiday Vibe With These No Brainer Gifts & Stocking Stuffer Must-Haves
- James Darren, ‘Gidget’ teen idol, singer and director, dies at 88
- Jessica Pegula earns seventh quarterfinal Grand Slam shot. Is this her breakthrough?
- Princess Märtha Louise of Norway Marries Shaman Durek Verrett in Lavish Wedding
- The Best Corduroy Pants Deals from J.Crew Outlet, Old Navy, Levi’s & More, Starting at $26
- How Hailey Bieber's Rhode Beauty Reacted to Influencer's Inclusivity Critique
Ranking
- Contained, extinguished and mopping up: Here’s what some common wildfire terms mean
- Murder on Music Row: Phone calls reveal anger, tension on Hughes' last day alive
- Hundreds of ‘Game of Thrones’ props are up for auction, from Jon Snow’s sword to dragon skulls
- Below Deck Mediterranean Crew Devastated by Unexpected Death of Loved One
- 'SNL' stars jokingly declare support for Trump, Dana Carvey plays Elon Musk
- You Have 24 Hours To Get 50% Off Ashley Graham’s Self-Tanner, Madison LeCroy’s Eye Cream & $7 Ulta Deals
- Krispy Kreme marks Barbie's 65th anniversary with pink, sparkly doughnuts
- Week 1 fantasy football risers, fallers: Revenge game for Matthew Stafford
Recommendation
-
Climate Advocacy Groups Say They’re Ready for Trump 2.0
-
Jenn Tran’s Ex Matt Rossi Says His Bachelorette: Men Tell All Appearance Was Cut
-
Jennifer Meyer, ex-wife of Tobey Maguire, engaged to music mogul Geoffrey Ogunlesi
-
Philadelphia woman who was driving a partially automated Mustang Mach-E charged with DUI homicide
-
Krispy Kreme is giving free dozens to early customers on World Kindness Day
-
Iga Swiatek and Daniil Medvedev, two former US Open champions, advance to quarterfinals
-
Roger Federer understands why there are questions about US Open top seed Jannik Sinner’s doping case
-
Next eclipse in less than a month: When is the annular 'ring of fire' and who will see it?