PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) has issued a scathing condemnation of four arrest warrants published by Haiti’s Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ), labeling them as fundamentally flawed and legally unsound.
The controversial warrants target four individuals: Arnel Belizaire (accused of financing terrorism, attacks, and conspiracy against state security), Ralph Youri Chevry (former President of Port-au-Prince Municipal Council facing similar charges), Smith Joseph (a member of presidential advisor Fritz Alphonse Jean’s cabinet charged with money laundering and terrorism financing), and Édouard Julcene (former Director of Port-au-Prince Customs Administration accused of illegal firearms trafficking, money laundering, and tax fraud).
RNDDH’s analysis reveals critical procedural deficiencies in the DCPJ’s actions. The organization notes that none of the accused individuals were formally summoned prior to the issuance of warrants, violating fundamental judicial principles. Furthermore, comprehensive reviews of investigation reports from Haiti’s Central Unit for Economic and Financial Intelligence (UCREF) and the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) show no records implicating the named individuals in the alleged crimes.
The human rights organization particularly highlighted the case against Arnel Belizaire, describing the warrant as ‘a farce’ given his documented close relationship with DCPJ’s current director, Divisional Commissioner Justin Marc. According to RNDDH, Belizaire has maintained regular access to the judicial police institution since September 2025.
RNDDH emphasized that proper judicial guarantees – including presumption of innocence, detailed notification of charges, and right to fair trial – must govern all investigations. These protections are enshrined not only in Haiti’s Constitution but also in international human rights instruments ratified by the country.
The organization concluded that the DCPJ’s actions represent a dangerous politicization of judicial processes and recommended immediate suspension of the warrants pending proper legal procedures.