The Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ) has decided to place Judge Merlan Bélabre on leave for a period of three months.

This decision, notified to the judge in a letter dated January 17, 2025 and signed by Me Jean Joseph Lebrun, President of the CSPJ, follows a complaint filed on January 7, 2025, after Judge Merlan Bélabre released René Toussaint, a school principal accused of raping a 14-year-old minor, who became pregnant as a result of this assault. Furthermore, Judge Bélabre is regularly denounced for his release decisions deemed questionable.

Letter from CSPJ:

"Magistrate Merlan Bélabre,

Judge and Examining Magistrate at the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince

Magistrate,

The Superior Council of the Judiciary informs you that following the complaint filed against you on January 7, 2025 relating to a case of rape of a minor for which you are responsible and the results of the investigation that followed, it was decided, at the statutory meeting of Thursday, January 16, 2025, to place you on leave for a period of three (3) months pending your appearance before the Disciplinary Court which will rule definitively on your situation.

Receive Magistrate, Greetings from the Council

Magistrate Jean Joesph Lebrun

President of the CSPJ.

Cc. Dean of the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince,

Personnel Service of the Higher Council of the Judiciary."

HL/ HaitiLibre