18 Moïse Assassination Suspects Extradited to US

Eighteen suspects in the July 7, 2021, assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse were flown from Haiti to the United States on a military flight Sunday. Dressed in blue jumpsuits, they boarded a gray military aircraft after a U.S. plane arrived at Port-au-Prince international airport shortly before 11 a.m. The group included Joseph Félix Badio and 17 Colombian former soldiers. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said they face justice in the Southern District of Florida. Moïse was shot a dozen times; his wife was critically injured. Quiñones said the transfer marks the next major phase in accountability and prosecutors will follow evidence to those who financed or facilitated the plot. He said they are not finished. Four South Florida men were convicted in May on conspiracy charges. At least five others pleaded guilty and are serving life sentences. Officials say 30 people have been indicted. The Miami case was placed under seal. Christian Emmanuel Sanon's trial was delayed for health issues. Pierre Esperance called the transfer a disgrace for the Haitian justice system. Milena Carmona said families did not know and U.S. costs will be very difficult. Haitian authorities initially resisted handing over Badio. May trial testimony described him giving the signal that night and directing Colombians to cash and firearms.