"High-ranking state officials can never be called as witnesses, even for debates held in the presence of the jury, unless the President of Haiti, upon the request of a party and the report of the Secretary of State for Justice, has, by special order, authorized this appearance," stipulates Article 400 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. However, Attorney Patrick Laurent pointed out that at no time does it state that it is the investigating judge in charge of the case who must go to interview the relevant high-ranking state offi
Me Patrick Laurent Addresses the Controversy Surrounding PM Ariel Henry's Interrogation
The Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, was questioned on Tuesday, December 26, as part of the investigation into the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021. The news was announced in the evening through a government statement. According to available information, he was reportedly questioned at his official residence, a revelation that has raised shock and questions. Invited to the "Panel Magik" show on Thursday, December 28, Attorney Laurent clarified that "high-ranking state officials can never appear as witnesses without prior permission from the President of the Republic through an order," citing Article 400 of the Haitian Code of Criminal Procedure.