By Belly-Dave Bélizaire, Vant Bèf Info, March 29, 2026
The third section of the Port-au-Prince Court of Appeal has overturned the committal order against former senators Youri Latortue and Joseph Lambert, who were being prosecuted for embezzlement of public funds, illegal taking of interest, and obstruction of justice.
In a ruling issued on March 11, 2026, the court found the procedure irregular, thus terminating the proceedings in this case. The contested order had been issued on June 19, 2023, by an investigating judge of the Court of First Instance.
The judges noted, in particular, that the case had been prematurely referred to the investigating judge, in violation of the procedures prescribed by law. Consequently, all actions taken during the investigation, as well as the prosecutor's preliminary indictment, were declared null and void. The Court also pointed out deficiencies in the evidence presented.
Among the irregularities raised are reports attributed to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), used to initiate proceedings, but lacking a signature. According to the Court, this deficiency renders these documents legally invalid in criminal proceedings.
The court also recalled the legal requirements governing prosecutions for misappropriation of public funds, stressing that the ULCC must wait for the conclusions of the financial control bodies before initiating public action.
During the hearings, the two former parliamentarians argued that there was no serious evidence and that the accusations against them were weak. Despite the prosecution's request to continue the proceedings, the Court of Appeal rejected this position, finding that the legal conditions for initiating criminal proceedings were not met.
Posted April 4, 2026