A former Colombian soldier has been sentenced to life in prison in the US for his role in the assassination attempt on Haitian President Jovenel Moïse just over two years ago. A federal court in Miami ruled Friday that Germán Alejandro Rivera Garcia and co-conspirators planned to kidnap and kill the then-head of state, the Miami Herald newspaper reported. Rivera Garcia had previously pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators. According to media reports, he now hopes to have his sentence reduced retroactively.
President Moïse was killed with twelve shots in his residence in the capital Port-au-Prince on the night of July 7, 2021. According to investigations by authorities in Haiti and the US, around 20 Colombian mercenaries committed the crime on behalf of various financiers. American investigators believe the original plan was to kidnap Moïse. The background to the crime is still unclear. More than forty suspects were arrested in Haiti, including eighteen Colombians and the head of Moïse’s palace guard.
Eleven people have been charged in the US, including a former Haitian senator. In June, a Haitian-Chilean businessman was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
Haiti is the poorest country on the Americas and faces an extremely poor security, supply and health situation. Gangs control large parts of the capital Port-au-Prince and use brutal means to fight for territory. No elections have been held in Haiti since Moïse’s death. (saw/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
