Wife of assassinated Haitian President wants closure

SOURCE: CMC – The wife of the assassinated Haitian President, Jovenel Moise, is urging the authorities to ensure that all those who played a role in his murder be arrested and brought to trial.

In a brief statement, marking the eighth month since Moise was gunned down at his private residence on July 7 last year, Martine Moise says she still cannot come to understand the motive for killing her husband, who media reports said had been shot at least 12 times.

“Eight months since the tragedy! An odious assassination that lacerates me and of which I still cannot understand the meaning,” she said.

Mrs Moise, who was injured during the attack and had to be flown to the United States for medical treatment, added “only the sponsors and the executors hold the motive.

“That’s why they all need to be found. We owe it to the nation. Jistis Pou Jovenel (Justice for Jovenel),” she added.

Earlier this month, a former Haitian police officer linked to the assassination was placed in custody here after being arrested in neighbouring Dominican Republic.

Tanis Philomé was detained by police acting on an international arrest warrant.  He has denied any involvement in the killing.

Philomé, who had been part of the president’s security team, is one of several suspects arrested in connection with the president’s death.

Several former members of the .Colombian army have been held and the United States have laid charges against two people in connection with the murder.

But despite these arrests, the authorities have struggled to solve the case and last Thursday the Dean of the Court of First Instance (TPI) of Port-au-Prince, Bernard Sainvil appointed Judge Merlan Belabre to continue the investigation of the assassination of President  Moïse.