Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Reuters) – The ombudsman office in Haiti has strongly criticized the slow pace of the investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, which occurred nearly two years ago. The Office of Citizen Protection, an independent government agency responsible for investigating complaints against public institutions, expressed its concerns and called for improved protection for Judge Walter Wesser Voltaire, who is leading the investigation. Voltaire is the fifth judge assigned to the case, as the previous four judges were either dismissed or resigned for personal reasons.
On Thursday, Judge Voltaire declined to comment on the investigation, citing its confidential nature. He stated that he would hold a press conference when he deems it appropriate to do so.
In addition to the critique of the slow progress, the ombudsman office demanded international assistance to support the Haitian Ministry of Justice in the investigation into President Moïse’s killing, which took place on July 7, 2021. The president was shot 12 times at his private residence. The office emphasized that many individuals implicated in the assassination are still at large.
While the case has seen minimal advancement within Haiti, U.S. authorities have apprehended 11 suspects, with the first conviction and sentencing taking place last month. Over 40 other suspects, including at least 18 former Colombian soldiers accused of participating in the assassination and the injuring of President Moïse’s wife, Martine, are currently detained in Haiti’s deteriorating prisons.
Earlier this month, Martine reiterated her call for the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands to investigate her husband’s murder. She also filed a lawsuit at the end of June against the suspects in the case, seeking unspecified damages for her family and requesting a trial by jury.
In a tweet on June 26, Martine wished her late husband a happy birthday, expressing her belief that the truth would come to light and justice would be served. She called for a thorough investigation into the assassination.
