AP on Mayette, Neptune

[Jens Iverson]

Hello,

Please find below an AP article, not widely picked up, regarding Amanus Mayette.  This case is related to Yvon Neptune’s through the alleged St. Marc killings.

Regards,

Jens Iverson

 <http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20050527T190000-0500_81247_OBS_FORMER_HAITI_LEGISLATOR_APPEARS_BEFORE_JUDGE_IN_CASE_OF_ALLEGED_POLITICAL_KILLINGS.asp>

Former Haiti legislator appears before judge in case of alleged political killings

AP
Saturday, May 28, 2005


PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - A former Haiti legislator charged with helping to lead political killings during last year's rebellion that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide went before an investigation judge Monday, an official said.

Amanus Mayette, a member of Aristide's Lavalas Family party, went before a civil court judge Monday in a closed-door session in the western port town of St Marc, said local government prosecutor Leslie Jules.

"The judge will determine what evidence there is against him for possible trial," said Jules, who declined to provide further details.

Mayette has been detained since March 2004 on allegations by Haiti's interim government that he was a "leader" in the killings of at least 25 Aristide opponents in his home district of St. Marc during the rebellion that ousted Aristide a month before. He has maintained his innocence.

Mayette, held in a Port-au-Prince prison, has made two previous court appearances in the past year without a decision on a trial, said Pierre Esperance, of the National Network for the Defence of Human Rights.

"I hope the judge comes to a decision soon," said Esperance. "The victims want justice and the accused has the right to a timely trial."
The St Marc case has led to the arrests of a handful of Lavalas Family members, including former Prime Minister Yvon Neptune.
Neptune, 58, has been detained nearly 11 months on allegations that he masterminded the St Marc killings, dubbed "Clean Sweep". Neptune denies it and began a hunger strike April 17 to demand unconditional release. The government has refused.
Like most prisoners in Haiti, Neptune has not been charged despite a law requiring detainees to see a judge within 48 hours.

Interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue told The Associated Press on Saturday that Neptune would see a judge this week, but didn't provide details.

Neptune's lawyer, Mario Joseph, said Monday he hadn't received any court summons for Neptune to appear.

Some Lavalas members have refused to participate in general elections scheduled for October and November unless the government frees Neptune and other jailed party loyalists.