Overview:
Port-de-Paix residents have referred to as for elevated safety after judicial authorities suspended senior police officer Luckenson César, who’s accused of killing 39-year-old Haitian American Weithzer Ervens Fénélon. The sufferer was on a enterprise journey within the area the place he was growing a sugarcane plantation together with a change manufacturing facility, based on his household.
PORT-DE-PAIX — The alleged killing of 39-year-old Haitian American entrepreneur Weithzer Ervens Fénélon by Haitian Nationwide Law enforcement officials in Haiti’s Northwest Division has sparked public outrage and renewed fears of gang infiltration in Port-de-Paix. Judicial authorities say Fénélon, arrested on suspicion of cash laundering, was killed on March 27 in La Saline, a locality about three miles west of the town, by members of the Departmental Unit for the Upkeep of Order (UDMO).
Witnesses stated Fénélon, who confirmed his American identification and proof of his reliable enterprise actions within the area, was taken from his cousin’s residence on Rue Charlemagne Péralte round 11 a.m. The officers then transported him to an remoted space on the outskirts of the town, the place he was brutally murdered. His head and limbs had been severed, and his physique was burned, based on a report from magistrate Courtroom Conce Aurélien.
Following the killing and a criticism from the sufferer’s household, judicial authorities issued an arrest warrant towards Senior Officer Luckenson César, a outstanding determine within the struggle towards gangs and violent crime within the Northwest Division for over 9 years. The transfer created widespread panic amongst residents, who concern that gangs will now overrun the town in César’s absence.
“The officer acted outdoors the orders of his superior and failed to tell the courts. It seems he was dealing with his personal issues with the person.”
Jeir Pierre, Authorities Commissioner
“Regardless of the sufferer telling the police he was an American citizen of Haitian origin, displaying identification and bonafide paperwork of his enterprise actions, that didn’t cease them from arresting, killing, and mutilating him,” stated Guerda Thanélus, Fénélon’s cousin.
The sufferer’s father, Saint-Victor Fénélon, accused the police of extortion and homicide. Saint-Victor said that on the time of his arrest, the Haitian American entrepreneur had roughly US$104,000 in money, consisting of US$100,000 and 500,000 gourdes, Haiti’s forex. Weithzer was heading to the Sauval farming neighborhood in Jean-Rabel—a commune about 24 miles west of Port-de-Paix—the place he was engaged on setting up a sugarcane plantation and a liquor manufacturing facility, Saint-Victor stated.
Public outrage and requires justice
The sufferer’s household filed a proper criticism towards César. Judicial authorities suspended the officer and initiated public motion towards him on April 7. Nevertheless, no additional info has been supplied on what concrete steps have been taken to carry him and different accomplices accountable since then.
“The police work with the courts. Any motion taken by police should be reviewed and validated by the justice system,” stated Jeir Pierre, Authorities Commissioner of the Port-de-Paix Prosecutor’s Workplace.
Pierre added throughout a press convention that different officers had been current throughout the killing, however their identities haven’t been disclosed.
“It’s true that we’d like safety within the area, however we can’t conform to the deaths of harmless folks,” Pierre stated.
Whereas some residents praised César’s efforts to take care of order and boast a continuing presence towards potential gang assaults on the town, others accused him of abuse. “Even when many recognize his work, others complain of assaults carried out underneath his watch,” Authorities Commissioner Pierre conceded.
Judicial officers have requested the PNH Basic Inspectorate to find and arrest César so he can stand trial.
Irrespective of how excessive your rank, justice requires your presence when summoned,” Pierre added.
“After I discovered of the motion, I used to be within the gymnasium and acquired calls from individuals who instructed me what had occurred. The court docket’s resolution towards me is unjust.”
Police officer Luckenson César
Residents fear that César’s removing leaves Port-de-Paix weak to gangs like Kokorat San Ras, primarily based in Bassin Bleu’s Tibwadòm, lower than 18 miles away. Residents say the gang has lengthy sought to broaden into Port-de-Paix.
“We name on police and judicial authorities to urgently implement measures to guard our communities,” stated Cherley Salomon, 28.
“I urge all residents to remain vigilant,” stated Willy Eugène, 27. “We should mount our personal brigade to make sure our safety.”
César maintains innocence
Whereas judicial authorities have but to arrest Officer Luckenson César or others regardless of the warrant, he spoke with The Haitian Occasions in a cellphone interview and denied involvement within the crime.
“After I discovered of the incident, I used to be on the gymnasium. The choice towards me is unjust,” César stated.
Regardless of his denials, the justice system is urgent ahead. PNH authorities within the northwest say they’re dedicated to executing the warrant, though native enforcement efforts seem sluggish.
“The officer acted outdoors the orders of his superior and failed to tell the courts,” stated Commissioner Pierre. “It seems he was dealing with his personal issues with the person.”
As Haiti’s insecurity deepens, residents of Port-de-Paix demand transparency, accountability, and safety from the gangs threatening their metropolis.