ARTICLE - 16 SUSPECTS IN GUITEAU TOUSSAINT MURDER

16 SUSPECTS IN GUITEAU TOUSSAINT MURDER INVESTIGATION, AUTHORITIES EXAMINING ALL POSSIBLE MOTIVES
(Defend Haiti) - By Samuel Maxime

PORT-AU-PRINCE - The assassinated Chairman of the National Credit Bank was killed by a professional, this is according to relatives who requested anonymity.

The indication given by relatives is that this is not the work of a small street gang, but a connoisseur, who forced the victim to his knees in his kitchen before pulling the trigger, putting one bullet in his head.

Different sectors are warning against possible attempts to divert attention from the real authors and sponsors of the crime and other sectors are warning against scapegoats, that may also pose as diversions.

The Chief Prosecutor, Commissioner Harrycidas Auguste says that 6 have been arrested, to date, and warrants of arrest have been issued for 10 others.

According to the Agence Haïtienne de Press , "the crime was premeditated, since the first action of the individuals who entered the home of Mr. Toussaint was to shoot him," quoting the Commissioner. Relatives in the home were tied and held in other rooms as the act took place.

Guiteau Toussaint Ongoing Investigation

Personal and political, actors and motives, are not ruled out as authorities say that no path will be left to chance. Toussaint's recent activities, such as the expected introduction of the public mortgage initiative "Kay Pam", the absorbing of Socabank and former BNC members who have been jailed are all directions that authorities are pursuing.

The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) interjected after hearing the statements of law enforcement officials and warned the police and judicial authorities against any 'overzealous' motions. RNDDH Director Pierre Esperance, expressed the hope that the investigators remain impartial, honest and objective in their work.

"The arrest warrants can be initiated by the prosecution as part of flagrant delicto. Justice must do its work in serenity, in compliance to standards and principles, but away from excess and zeal."

Espreance said that the assassination of Guiteau Toussaint does not reflect general insecurity in the state "therefore, the authorities must work to put the collar on the real killer."