The institution states that the justice system has confirmed its innocence. Furthermore, the Episcopal Church is calling for the release of several detainees in the 2022 arms seizure case.
The Episcopal Church of Haiti has broken its silence to demand the release of its priests and lay members detained in connection with a case involving the importation of weapons, ammunition, and counterfeit currency. These items were intercepted in July 2022 at the Port-au-Prince customs office.
In a press release published on April 5, 2026, the institution’s Standing Committee stated that neither the Church nor its members are involved in this case. It noted that it had remained silent until now to avoid interfering with the judicial process. It also reaffirmed its confidence in the country’s institutions, including those to which the Episcopal Church belongs.
According to the statement, an order issued on September 29, 2023 had already established, at first instance, the innocence of the individuals concerned. This ruling dismissed charges against several priests and lay members, including Reverends Fritz Désiré and Frantz Cole of the Episcopal Church.
However, the Church pointed out that the prosecutor’s office challenged this decision, leading to the continuation of legal proceedings. Despite this, it maintained a reserved stance while awaiting a final ruling concerning the Episcopal Church of Haiti.
A new development occurred on February 2, 2026, with the submission of the report by the appointed judge. According to the Church, this document confirms that individuals fraudulently used its name. It also claims that the duty-free authorization letter at the center of the case may be fake. Additionally, the signature of Reverend Jean Madoché Vil was allegedly forged, based on findings from judicial police experts.
The institution denounces a serious attack on the honor of its members, as well as a violation of the Church’s integrity. It asserts that those detained are in fact victims of a criminal network. Moreover, it emphasizes that no evidence of illicit wealth has been established against the accused.
In this context, the Episcopal Church of Haiti is calling on judicial authorities to act promptly to secure the release of those it considers to be unjustly detained.
It also reiterates its confidence in the Haitian justice system and urges magistrates to demonstrate integrity and independence in handling this case.
