The provisional release granted to Edwine Tonton is expected to end following the ruling issued by the Port-au-Prince Court of Appeal on March 23. The court delivered its decision in the corruption scandal involving the Social Assistance Fund (CAS), after additional investigation conducted by investigating judge Jeudilien Fanfan. This marks a major turning point, with several defendants, including Tonton, referred to the criminal court sitting without a jury.
Former CAS director Edwine Tonton, who had been granted provisional release, will have to return to detention. She will be tried for illegal taking of interest and illicit enrichment, as the court found sufficient and consistent evidence against her.
The court rejected several procedural objections raised during the case, including the claim of lack of jurisdiction concerning former Minister of Social Affairs Pierre Ricot Odney, as well as a legal argument invoked by Tonton. However, it dismissed charges against several individuals, including Johanne Phanor, Frantz Idérice, Pierre Ricot Odney, Philogène Emmanuel, and Novie Dubréu Mison.
Other defendants, including Pierre Richard Valès and Dominique Hector Bernardin, face charges such as abuse of office, breach of trust, forgery, and criminal association. Additional individuals are charged with complicity and influence peddling.
All accused have been referred to the criminal court without a jury under the anti-corruption law of March 12, 2014. The court also ordered their immediate arrest and detention if not already in custody.
