A federal jury in the United States has ordered a former Haitian mayor to pay more than $15.5 million in response to a lawsuit alleging that he led a campaign of political persecution.
Tuesday’s decision from a US District Court in Boston found Jean Morose Viliena liable for an array of allegations, including that he was involved in a killing, attempted murder, and torture against political rivals. While the jury’s decision was made in a civil case and has no criminal implications, the plaintiffs hailed the order as a “victory.”
The lawsuit plays out as Haiti faces compounding crises, including repeated natural disasters, a cholera outbreak, and the increased influence of powerful gangs, particularly in the wake of the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. It has also highlighted the limits of Haiti’s justice system after years of upheaval.
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