18 suspects extradited to US in connection with Moïse assassination

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) – Eighteen people detained in Haiti in connection with the 2021 assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse were on Sunday extradited to the United States to face federal proceedings in Florida. The suspects were flown from Port-au-Prince to the United States aboard a military aircraft, according to US authorities. US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason Reding Quiñones said the transfer marked a new phase in the American prosecution of the case.

He said US authorities would continue to pursue those involved in financing, facilitating, supporting or carrying out the assassination. The 18 suspects are among 30 people indicted in the United States in connection with Moïse’s killing, according to the US Attorney. The group includes former Colombian soldiers and Haitian nationals.

The Haitian government said the extraditions form part of strengthened judicial cooperation with the United States as authorities seek to advance proceedings into the assassination. The country's Justice and Public Security Minister Patrick Pélissier said Haiti had two judicial proceedings in relation to the case — one in Haiti and another in the United States — and that the US process had made significant progress through arrests, prosecutions and convictions. He said the Haitian proceedings had faced significant difficulties and, five years after the assassination, had not resulted in a trial.

Pélissier said information and evidence gathered through cooperation with US authorities could also contribute to further investigations in Haiti, in accordance with mechanisms for mutual legal assistance. Moïse was killed at his private residence in Port-au-Prince in July 2021. His wife, Martine Moïse, was seriously injured in the attack.

The extradition comes as the US case continues. A Florida jury convicted four men in May in connection with the plot, while at least five others have pleaded guilty and are serving life sentences. Pélissier said the Haitian government remained committed to ensuring justice for Moïse, his family and the Haitian people.