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4 suspected killers of Haiti President Jovenel Moise shot dead

Haiti's interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph informed that President Jovenel Moise was found assassinated at his private residence. He was shot in the head. The assassination took place at about 1 am local time on Wednesday.

4 suspected killers of Haiti President Jovenel Moise shot dead
Author
Port-au-Prince, First Published Jul 8, 2021, 8:59 AM IST

Police in Haiti has shot dead four people believed to have been involved in the assassination of the country's president Jovenel Moise at his private residence on Wednesday. 

Two others have been arrested, the country's police chief, Léon Charles, said

Three police officers who had been held hostage were freed, he said.

Haiti's interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph informed that President Jovenel Moise was found assassinated at his private residence. The assassination took place at about 1 am local time on Wednesday.

Joseph also informed that First Lady Martine Moise was also shot and is currently receiving treatment.

Asserting that democracy and the republic would win, the interim Prime Minister clarified that Haiti's security was under the armed forces and national police.

Haiti proclaimed a state of emergency following the incident. 

President Jovenel Moise came to power in February 2017. During his tenure, he was confronted with a wave of violent protests in the capital. 

His term as president of the Caribbean nation of more than 11 million people was also marked by a wave of violent actions such as kidnappings, gang violence, anti-government marches, and a huge number of Covid-19 cases.

UN Security Council likely to intervene

United Nations Security Council Nicolas de Riviere said that the council might hold an emergency meeting today to take stock of the situation in Haiti. 

"Maybe, tomorrow, I think. We will discuss Haiti, said de Riviere. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had condemned the assassination "in the strongest terms".

In a statement, UN Secretary-General's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, conveyed heartfelt condolences on his behalf to the late president's family and to the people and government of Haiti. 

He also urged Haitians to uphold the Constitution and remain united in the face of this heinous atrocity and rejects all forms of violence.

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