Miami, United States

A dual Haitian-Chilean citizen has pleaded guilty to being part of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, who was gunned down in his home in 2021. Rodolphe Jaar, one of 11 defendants in the case, has pleaded guilty to three charges. As per a plea statement signed by him on Friday, Jaar supplied arms and provided personnel to kidnap the slain president Moise. However, the initial plan turned into a murder plot. The statement revealed that a portion of the money provided by Jaar was spent on bribing some members of the president's security team and to purchase arms.

Advertisment

Also read | Haiti: UN flags violence as 531 die in gang wars in 2023 so far

It further reveals that the night before the assassination, Jaar met with the other conspirators, and at that meeting, Haitian-American James Solages revealed the plan was to kill Moise.

As per a Reuters report citing the court document, he also met other defendants, including former Haitian Senator Joseph Joel John, Haitian-American Joseph Vincent, Colombian ex-military officer German Rivera and Antonio Intriago, the Venezuelan owner of a Miami-based private security firm.

Advertisment

Also read | Huge price paid for being in public eye: Abe, Gadhafi, Bhutto & more, politicians assassinated in 21st century

Jaar, who was arrested in Dominican Republic in early 2022, as per the US Department of Justice, is also accused of helping some Colombians implicated in the case hide from Haitian authorities. He faces up to life in prison, his sentencing is scheduled for June 2.

In the Caribbean nation, Moise's assassination created a huge political vacuum and gave powerful gangs a boost. These gangs now control sizable portions of the nation. 

Advertisment

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.