25239: Wharram - News - Former Haiti legislator appears before judge in case of alleged political killings (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

>From Bruce Wharram <bruce.wharram@sev.org>


Former Haiti legislator appears before judge in case of alleged political
killings
AP
Saturday, May 28, 2005

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - A former Haiti legislator charged with helping
to lead political killings during last year's rebellion that ousted
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide went before an investigation judge Monday,
an official said.

Amanus Mayette, a member of Aristide's Lavalas Family party, went before a
civil court judge Monday in a closed-door session in the western port town
of St Marc, said local government prosecutor Leslie Jules.

"The judge will determine what evidence there is against him for possible
trial," said Jules, who declined to provide further details.

Mayette has been detained since March 2004 on allegations by Haiti's interim
government that he was a "leader" in the killings of at least 25 Aristide
opponents in his home district of St. Marc during the rebellion that ousted
Aristide a month before. He has maintained his innocence.

Mayette, held in a Port-au-Prince prison, has made two previous court
appearances in the past year without a decision on a trial, said Pierre
Esperance, of the National Network for the Defence of Human Rights.

"I hope the judge comes to a decision soon," said Esperance. "The victims
want justice and the accused has the right to a timely trial."
The St Marc case has led to the arrests of a handful of Lavalas Family
members, including former Prime Minister Yvon Neptune.
Neptune, 58, has been detained nearly 11 months on allegations that he
masterminded the St Marc killings, dubbed "Clean Sweep". Neptune denies it
and began a hunger strike April 17 to demand unconditional release. The
government has refused.
Like most prisoners in Haiti, Neptune has not been charged despite a law
requiring detainees to see a judge within 48 hours.

Interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue told The Associated Press on Saturday
that Neptune would see a judge this week, but didn't provide details.

Neptune's lawyer, Mario Joseph, said Monday he hadn't received any court
summons for Neptune to appear.

Some Lavalas members have refused to participate in general elections
scheduled for October and November unless the government frees Neptune and
other jailed party loyalists.