Attorney for widow of slain Haitian president rejects indictment and says it's politically motivated

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — An attorney for Haitian President Jovenel Moïse’s widow, who was indicted in his assassination, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he believes the accusations against her are politically motivated.

U.S.-based attorney Paul Turner said he was surprised by media reports this week detailing the indictments against Martine Moïse and dozens of other suspects including the former prime minister and the ex-police chief. He also questioned whether the judge’s report is real or has been finalized, noting that Haitian government officials did not contact his client as required and that he and other attorneys are reaching out to them for clarity.

“If there is a genuine reason to talk to Martine … we can make her available if the circumstances were fair and just,” Turner said, adding that she could talk online. “Or we can meet in the U.S.. where we know there’s not going to be a safety concern.”

Turner said he believes not everyone involved in the July 2021 assassination at Jovenel Moïse’s private residence has been arrested, and that Martine Moïse, who was injured in the attack, and her children still fear for their lives.