Haiti launches judicial corruption inquiry

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - More than 20 Haitian judges and prosecutors are under investigation for suspected bribery and corruption, according to judicial authorities who created a new council on Monday to sanction those involved.

"Those cases are being carefully studied and appropriate sanctions will be taken if necessary," Carlos Hercule, chief of staff for the justice minister, told Reuters.

Several of those targeted have been removed from office pending the outcome of the investigation in the impoverished and turbulent Caribbean country.

Justice Minister Henri Dorlean said administrative and judicial proceedings had been launched against six other judges and prosecutors accused of accepting money from those awaiting trial, in exchange for their release from prison.

"The magistrates should be fully aware that they too can be tried if they deliberately commit fault," Dorlean told Reuters. The term "magistrates" includes both judges and prosecutors in Haiti.

Dorlean made the comments after installing a council of magistrates, known as the Judiciary's Superior Council, to sanction members of the judicial system found guilty of corruption and serious administrative failure.

Dorlean called the installation of the council "an important step toward reforming the judicial system," which is widely considered corrupt, lacking in credibility and subject to political influence.

The head of the UN mission's human rights unit in Haiti accused judicial officials and the U.S.-backed interim government last week of illegally detaining most of the 4,000 people behind bars in Haiti.

The UN official, Thierry Fagart, said most prisoners had not been formally charged or tried and that many had been held in "preventive detention" for longer terms than they would face if convicted of crimes.

Critics say the un-elected interim government that has led Haiti for two years installed the new council without consulting the administration of President-elect Rene Preval, who is scheduled to take office on May 14.

Preval won a February election, the first since former President Jean-Bertrand Ariside was driven out during an armed revolt in February 2004. A new parliament is to be seated after an April 21 runoff election.

- REUTERS