SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 28 March 2024, Thursday |

Turkey frees man wanted by Haiti after Moise’s assassination, says lawyer

A man wanted by Haiti for his suspected role in the death of President Jovenel Moise has been released from a Turkish repatriation facility and returned to the United States, according to one of his lawyers.

Moise, a 53-year-old former businessman who entered government in 2017, was assassinated at his own apartment in July 2021. In the attack, his wife was injured.

Last November, businessman Samir Handal, a Miami-based Haitian and US real estate developer, was held on an Interpol red notice while transiting via Turkey on his route from the US to Jordan.

According to his attorneys, the red notice was later stayed at their request for a final review, and on July 4, a Turkish court denied Haiti’s extradition request for Handal, finding that he should be freed.

Handal was released on August 3 and landed in the United States the next day, according to lawyer Mahmut Barlas.

Handal has stated that he just rented a residence to Emmanuel Sanon, the alleged planner of the assassination, and was unaware of any preparations to murder Moise.

Handal’s lawyers had argued that he should not be extradited because he would face harsh labor in Haiti. They also emphasized the country’s political uncertainties.

    Source:
  • Reuters