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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Judge Benjamin Felismé has summoned three presidential advisors for questioning in connection with a corruption scandal involving the National Credit Bank (BNC). The advisors—Emmanuel Vertilaire, Louis Gérard Gilles, and Smith Augustin—have been named in allegations of extortion and abuse of power.
According to Raoul Pierre-Louis, former chairman of the BNC Board, the advisors pressured him to deliver 100 million gourdes to secure his position at the bank. These accusations, which the advisors deny, have sparked significant controversy.
Judge Felismé has scheduled separate dates for the three advisors and Pierre-Louis to testify as part of the investigation. The advisors face allegations of passive corruption, abuse of authority, and misuse of their official positions.
This case has raised broader concerns about governance and transparency in Haiti, with calls for an impartial inquiry into the allegations. The investigation is ongoing.
Presidential advisor questions judicial impartiality (Updated Dec 6, 2024 11:45PM)
According to Le Nouvelliste, Louis Gérald Gilles, a member of Haiti’s Presidential Transition Council (CPT), is challenging the judicial process in a corruption case that has implicated him and two other presidential advisors, Emmanuel Vertilaire and Smith Augustin. Gilles has refused to cooperate with the investigative judge, Benjamin Félismé, citing concerns about the impartiality of all judicial officers in the capital.
Through his legal team, Gilles has filed a motion to recuse the entire investigative panel of the Port-au-Prince First Instance Court. His lawyers argue that the judges are incapable of providing a fair inquiry, pointing to what they describe as procedural errors, including the issuance of a summons despite Gilles’ protected status under Haitian constitutional provisions.
The Port-au-Prince First Instance Court will now determine whether to uphold Gilles’ motion to recuse the investigative judges. Meanwhile, the corruption investigation remains ongoing, with key testimony expected in the coming weeks. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Haiti’s efforts to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law.
