Port-au-Prince, April 21, 2026.- Guest on Panel Magik Tuesday, April 21, 2026, lawyer Samuel Lamour strongly criticized the detention of Milot's mayor Wesner Joseph, whom he described as illegal. He also rejected any responsibility of the city council in the recent tragedy at the Citadelle, pointing instead to the Ministry of Culture for failing to fulfil its obligations.
Samuel Lamour states that the procedure leading to the arrest of the Mayor of Milot does not comply with legal standards. According to him, no flagrant offence justifies this deprivation of liberty, recalling that « freedom is the rule and detention the exception ».
Counsel indicated that a hearing was held to rule on the legality of the arrest, while denouncing a prolonged detention which he described as abuse.
Mr. Lamour's intervention also highlights the fragile state of health of Mayor Wesner Joseph, described as hypertensive and diabetic. A situation which, according to him, worsens conditions of detention and reinforces the urgency of a judicial decision.
On the bottom of the case related to the tragedy at La Citadelle, Mr Lamour is categorical: responsibility does not lie with the town hall. He argues that the management of the site is the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture, in particular because of its heritage status.
It reveals that official correspondence had been sent on 16 March to request security measures. On 30 March, the Minister concerned was reportedly relaunched without any positive action being taken.
In the face of criticism of the town hall, Mr Lamour denounces a lack of evidence and calls for more rigour in the accusations. He believes that some attempts are aimed at diverting attention from real responsibilities.
The lawyer concludes by calling for a prompt and fair judicial decision, while stressing the need to establish clear responsibilities in this case in order to avoid any political instrumentalization.
WA
