Colombian Ex-Military Accused of Assassination in Haiti Transferred from Prison

Former Colombian soldiers accused of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in Haiti have been transferred from prison, after criminal groups took over the prison where they were being held. Colombia had asked the Haitian authorities this weekend to protect its nationals, following reports that the lives of the 17 Colombians accused of involvement in the assassination of former president Moise were in danger.

“In the last few hours, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a diplomatic note to the Government of the Republic of Haiti, requesting it to provide special protection to the physical integrity and safety of Colombian nationals deprived of their liberty in that country,” explained the Colombian Foreign Office statement.

Colombia confirms the transfer

Yesterday, Sunday, the transfer of the 17 Colombian ex-military personnel accused of participating in the crime against former President Moise, in July 2021, was confirmed. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia confirms that, as a result of the negotiations carried out with the Government of the Republic of Haiti, the authorities of that country confirmed the transfer of the 17 Colombian nationals deprived of their freedom in the civil prison of Port-au-Prince to other facilities,” explained a second communiqué from the Foreign Ministry dated March 3.

On Saturday night, armed groups attacked the prison where the Colombians were being held, leading to heavy clashes and the flight of some of the leaders of these criminal gangs. Shortly afterwards, it became known that there was a video in which the Colombian ex-military personnel asked the government for protection.

Diplomatic efforts were immediate, and by midday on Sunday, the Colombian government asked Haiti for protection for these prisoners, who were finally transferred from prison.

A night of chaos

Saturday night was a manifestation of chaos that caused distressing moments for the prisoners. A series of attacks against the penitentiary facilities provoked riots inside the prison.

“There is a riot and we hear a lot of gunshots. We request help from the government, from some entity, because we are here and we have not left the prison, we are still in the block where they have us concentrated, but the situation is worrying because we do not know what is going to happen to us. We are asking for help from some organization, the Red Cross, the People’s Chancellery, the Colombian consulate,” can be heard in an audio attributed to Manuel Antonio Grosso, one of the Colombians imprisoned in Haiti, transcribed by the newspaper El Colombiano.

Situation in Haiti

Haiti continues to be plunged into chaos and incessant violence. Leading a weak government, accused by the opposition of illegitimacy, since it should have ceased last February 7, Ariel Henry remains in office on an interim basis, while opponents agitate the streets with increasingly violent protests that add to the common criminality.

The Colombian ex-military personnel who remain imprisoned in the country confessed their part in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. In an operation orchestrated by Haitian-American politicians, the Colombians participated in carrying out the crime that has plunged Haiti into chaos and violence ever since.

In the United States, several people have already been sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in the crime, while in Haiti the proceedings against those involved are progressing with difficulty. The case took an important turn a few days ago, after the criminal indictment against Martine Moise, wife of the murdered man and former first lady of the country, was confirmed.

Meanwhile, Haiti is still waiting for international aid, after the failed deployment of foreign troops in an operation that was to be led by Kenya. A court ruling by the African country’s court threw the operation into disarray, while Haiti implores the world for foreign aid to reestablish order.