Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Haiti President Tells VOA he Retired Three Judges to 'Protect' Supreme Court

Sandra Lemaire

   WASHINGTON/PORT-AU-PRINCE - In an exclusive interview with VOA Creole,
   Haitian President Jovenel Moise on Tuesday defended his decree
   announcing the "retirement" of three Supreme Court justices saying the
   move is aimed at "protecting" the high court.

   On Monday, opponents seeking to end Moïse's rule declared Supreme
   Court Judge JosephMécèneJean-Louis as interim president. That move
   came one day after Moïse announced police had arrested more than 20
   people he accused of trying to kill him and overthrow his government,
   including Judge JosephMécèneJean-Louis.

   The opposition and Moise, who is currently ruling by decree after
   dissolving a majority of Parliament in January 2020, are embroiled in a
   long-running dispute over the length of Moïse's term. The opposition
   says it ended Sunday. Moïse says he has another year.

   "The council of ministers metyesterdayand we took measures to protect
   democracy and the independence of the judiciary branch. Because as you
   know, the judiciary branch is independent, the executive branch is
   independent, the legislative branch is independent. But the president
   is the guarantor of the national institutions and inrealitythis
   decision was made, as I said, to protect the institution of the
   republic which is called the Supreme Court," President Moise told VOA
   Creole, speaking via Skype from his office in Port-au-Prince.

.