The U.S. Department of Treasury announced sanctions this week against former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly for allegations of drug trafficking.
Bradley Smith, the Treasury Department’s acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, emphasized the significance of the sanctions.
“Today’s action against Martelly underscores the substantial and destabilizing role that he and other corrupt political elites have played in perpetuating Haiti’s ongoing crisis,” Smith said. “It is unacceptable for Haitian political and economic elites to plunder Haiti’s future.”
US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel also condemned Martelly’s actions, stating that the sanctions demonstrate the US’s commitment to holding accountable those whose activities fuel gang violence and undermine Haiti’s political stability, regardless of their position or influence.
Michel Martelly, who served as president from 2011 to 2016, was previously sanctioned by the Canadian government in November 2022 for financing gangs.
Comments