U.S. charges political rival in Haitian president's killing

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

MIAMI — A former Haitian senator is facing charges in the United States related to last year’s assassination of former Haiti President Jovenel Moïse, authorities said.

John Joel Joseph made his initial appearance Monday in Miami federal court, according to court records. The Haitian citizen was extradited from Jamaica to the U.S. on Friday to face charges of conspiring to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States and providing material support resulting in death, knowing or intending that such material support would be used to prepare for or carry out the conspiracy to kill or kidnap. He faces a possible life sentence.

According to a criminal complaint, Joseph and others, including about 20 Colombian citizens and several dual Haitian-American citizens, participated in a plot to kidnap or kill Haiti’s president, who was ultimately slain at his home in Haiti on July 7.

Joseph was arrested in Jamaica in January along with his wife and two sons.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/09/haiti-president-killing-charged-00031263

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Can someone explain why a crime committed by a Haitian in Haiti is a major for US criminal justice?

[Princess Turandot]

1. Under 18 U.S. Code § 956...

...Conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim or injure persons or damage property in a foreign country - the US has jurisdiction when part of such a crime/conspiracy was planned in the US.

There have been a couple of others involved in the assassination who have already been arrested/extradited.

[secondwind]

2. What happens in Haiti does affect the U.S.

I live on the other side of the island, and it is IMPERATIVE that Haiti not overtake this island. It is important for our national security.