Port-au-Prince, February 18, 2025 – The Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ) has issued search warrants for former Kenscoff deputy Alfredo Antoine and former Nippes senator Nenel Cassy. They are accused of alleged ties to the armed gangs operating in Haiti. This announcement, made during a press conference in Clercine, has sparked strong reactions within the political class and civil society.
The issuance of these search warrants has sent shockwaves throughout the population. While some see it as a necessary step in the fight against the insecurity plaguing the country, others question the true motives of the judicial authorities.
Several human rights organizations are raising concerns about due process and calling for greater transparency in handling this case.
According to Gazette Haïti, Pierre Espérance, executive director of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH), expressed his astonishment at these search warrants. He pointed out that neither Nenel Cassy nor Alfredo Antoine had been previously summoned by the DCPJ as part of an investigation and had never evaded justice. He therefore considers this procedure unusual and questions how the judicial authorities are managing this case.
In response to the accusations, Alfredo Antoine had announced that he would present himself to the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ). “I am on my way to the Central Directorate of Judicial Police. I am an honest citizen and have no ties to armed criminals. If, by denouncing criminals, the police attempt to portray me as their accomplice, let them know that I have been a fighter all my life,” the former lawmaker wrote.
However, by the end of the day, the political leader had yet to arrive at the DCPJ. Citing his involvement in “the fight against armed gangs,” Alfredo Antoine claimed to be the victim of “political manipulation.”
As for former senator Nenel Cassy, he had made no public statement since the announcement of the search warrant against him. He had previously been arrested for his alleged involvement in criminal activities.