©️Jacmel info
Jacmel, September 1, 2025.- On Monday 1 September, the Court of First Instance of Jacmel (ICT) launched a new session of criminal trials with jury assistance. It is planned to run until 4 September in a context marked by a lack of financial and logistical resources.
The dean of the court of this jurisdiction, Magistrat Aumereau Lainé, officially opened the proceedings, stressing the importance of these foundations in strengthening the rule of law. However, out of the 20 files, only four will be heard for lack of sufficient resources. This reality highlights the persistent challenges of the Haitian judicial system.
During these four days, judges, lawyers, clerks and jurors meet to review the selected files. According to the Lainé Magistrate, this limited choice is explained by the material and budgetary constraints on the jurisdiction. Despite these limitations, he welcomed the involvement of the actors in the criminal chain and the cooperation of citizens, which were essential to the smooth running of the process.
These criminal bases are a highlight in the fight against impunity, allowing the accused to appear before a popular jury, in accordance with the law. They also recall the need to provide justice with adequate means to ensure an equitable and effective distribution of the law.
Despite the difficulties encountered, the holding of these criminal bases in Jacmel demonstrates an institutional commitment to ensuring access to justice. For observers, this is an important but still insufficient step in the face of the public's expectations of combating insecurity and injustice.
R.J.
