April 11, 2025
The Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ in French) announced, in a letter dated January 17, 2025, the leave of absence for three months of magistrate Merlan Belabre, judge and investigating judge at the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince. This decision follows a complaint filed against him on January 7, 2025, concerning a case of rape of a 16-year-old minor in his care. The CSPJ specified that this measure comes “pending his appearance before the Disciplinary Court, which will rule definitively on his situation”.
The case, which has aroused strong emotion in public opinion, concerns a teenage girl attending a school belonging to her alleged attacker, located in Delmas 60. According to the information available, the rapist who ran the school allegedly committed the assault on a young girl.
Judge Merlan Belabre decided to release the accused, a decision that sparked outrage among the community and human rights defenders.
In his letter to the magistrate, the president of the CSPJ, Jean Joseph Lebrun, recalled that this decision to place him on leave was taken at a statutory meeting held on January 16, 2025. The Council deemed it necessary to temporarily remove Merlan Belabre from his duties for the duration of the investigation, in accordance with the disciplinary procedures in force. This measure aims to ensure the integrity of the investigation while preserving the reputation of the judicial institution, in a particularly sensitive case involving a minor.
The case highlights the challenges facing the Haitian judicial system in protecting victims of sexual violence, particularly minors. According to recent data, cases of rape of minors are unfortunately frequent in Haiti, but often remain underreported due to fear of reprisals, stigmatization and weaknesses in the judicial system. The recent release of the aggressor by Judge Belabre has exacerbated criticism of an institution already weakened by accusations of corruption and bias.
The CSPJ, in taking this decision, reaffirms its commitment to guaranteeing the independence and credibility of Haitian justice. However, this case comes in a context where citizens’ trust in judicial institutions is fragile. Human rights organizations regularly call for reforms to strengthen the transparency and efficiency of the judicial system, particularly in cases of sexual violence. While waiting for Merlan Belabre to appear before the Disciplinary Court, attention remains focused on the next steps of this investigation, which could mark a turning point in the fight against impunity in Haiti.
