Pierre Esperance
Port-au-Prince, July 17, 2026.- Reacting to the return to Haiti of former President Michel Martelly, human rights defender Pierre Espérance argued that the latter is still the subject of several judicial files. He referred to international sanctions against the former head of state, reports of investigations into alleged gang links, the PetroCaribe case and the investigation into the assassination of Jovenel Moïse. However, he recalls that no final court decision has found Michel Martelly guilty.
The Executive Director of the National Network for the Defence of Human Rights (RNDDH), Pierre Espérance, believes that the return to Haiti of former President Michel Martelly does not end the procedures and investigations that concern him.
During an intervention on magik 9 this Friday, 17 July, the human rights defender recalled that Michel Martelly is one of the persons targeted by international sanctions. He mentioned in particular the sanctions regime introduced by the United Nations in October 2022 and the measures adopted by the European Union. According to him, these decisions are based on information gathered by international sanctions mechanisms and on investigation reports from the Haitian authorities.
Pierre Espérance also referred to the report of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), published in December 2025, which blames the former president for a false statement of assets. He submitted that this case, as well as the one related to the alleged misappropriation of PetroCaribe funds, remains pending before the courts.
Asked about the absence of a judicial conviction, Pierre Espérance acknowledged that no final decision has established the guilt of Michel Martelly. He stated, however, that several investigation reports contain, in his view, elements justifying the continuation of judicial proceedings.
The human rights defender also returned to the investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. He confirmed that he was heard as a witness by the investigating judge and considered that it was normal for Michel Martelly to be also heard as part of this investigation. He recalled that the status of a witness does not prejudge the criminal responsibility of a person.
Concerning a possible political participation by Michel Martelly, Pierre Espérance indicated that, in the absence of a judicial decision or a legal provision preventing him from running for election, there is, according to him, no automatic legal obstacle to a candidature. However, he stressed the need to organise elections in a secure environment guaranteeing the free expression of citizens' votes.
During his speech, Pierre Espérance also affirmed that the Haitian Party Tèt Kale (PHTK) retains a strong influence within several public institutions. The Committee considers that this presence remains noticeable in various sectors of the State administration.
W.A.
