In a press release dated December 26, 2022, former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe (2012 - 2014), recalls that on Thursday December 22, 2022, he initiated legal proceedings before the Federal Court of Canada in order to have the Government of Canada's decision to include his name on the list of people subject to special economic measures overturned and annulled.

In its proceedings, Lamothe argues in particular that "[...] the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Ms. Mélanie Joly, arbitrarily included his name on the sanctions list without providing any evidence or due process. She alleges that Mr. Lamothe provided financial and operational support to armed gangs in Haiti. These allegations are wholly unfounded and contrary to the actions taken by Mr. Lamothe during his term as Prime Minister.

Mr. Lamothe promoted law and order as a top policy priority for the people of Haiti, and made the fight against insecurity in the country one of his main objectives by implementing a zerotolerance policy against armed gangs. [...]"

Lamothe argues "the Minister of Foreign Affairs' recommendation is capricious, irresponsible, and not based on any verifiable tacts. Her allegations contradict Mr. Lamothe's public record and actions he took during and alter his term in office as Prime Minister of Haiti."

Also, the former Prime Minister of Haiti criticizes the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Canada for "a complete lack of transparency and failing to provide an account of the reasons his name was added to the list of special economic measures. Further, the Government of Canada never informed Mr. Lamothe of ils actions nor gave him the opportunity to refute the unfounded accusations."

Upon learning of the Government's decision via social media, Mr. Lamothe sent a formal notice to the Minister of Foreign Affairs office requesting information on ils actions but received no response.

ln the legal application Mr. Lamothe denounces the Government of Canada's decislon as unreasonable stating that il is predicated on blind credence of unfounded allegations. The Government never offered Mr. Lamothe an opportunity to discuss or defend against ils unsubstantiated claims.

Laurent Lamothe is resolute in obtaining justice. He believes "the actions of the Canadian government against him to be defamatory, baseless, and unjust, and he will not stop fighting until he is cleared."

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38192-haiti-sanctions-laurent-lamothe-demands-an-apology-from-canada.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38184-haiti-flash-canada-sanctions-martelly-lamothe-and-ceant.html

HL/HaitiLibre