Port-au-Prince mayor files lawsuit after claiming his home was searched illegally

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC - Mayor of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, Ralph Youri Chevry, Monday announced that he had filed a lawsuit with the Port-au-Prince Criminal Court after the authorities conducted a near three-hour search of his residence, which he said was carried out without a warrant or explanation.

“This legal action aims to obtain justice in the face of an intervention that I consider illegal and arbitrary, and to reiterate that no one is above the law, regardless of their position,” Chevry said in a statement.

“My approach is neither personal nor political: it is rooted in respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the right of every citizen to the protection of their fundamental freedoms. I have faith in the justice system of my country,” he added.

Chevry said that on December 13, he was awakened by gunshots and his dog was “unjustifiably killed”.

He said that Fritz Patterson Dorval, the Government Commissioner of Port-au-Prince, accompanied by several armed men wearing uniforms from various units of the Haitian National Police, including specialised units, “violated” his home.

He insisted that the purpose of the search “was not formally communicated to me” and that at no stage a warrant was presented to him.

“One of my security agents was arrested and then released in Delmas. During this intervention, no charges were brought against me,” he said, adding that following the operation, “the PNH (Haitian National Police) weapons provided for my security were confiscated.

He said these included a Galil AC 22 (Taurus), a T4, an AR-15, as well as a communication radio, ammunition, and a surveillance drone.

Chevry said that under the Code of Criminal Procedure, any search must be authorised by a competent judge, accompanied by a reasoned warrant, and executed in the presence of witnesses.

He said this necessitates legal clarification regarding the absence of a warrant and formal notification, in accordance with the principles of the rule of law.

“I cooperated calmly and responsibly, respecting the institutions, while acknowledging the specific circumstances of this operation. I reaffirm my commitment to the rule of law, respect for legal procedures, and transparency. I also remain devoted to my home town, Port-au-Prince, and to my beloved country, Haiti,” Chevry added.

The authorities have made no official statement on the issue.

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