The Former First Lady of Haiti was named as a potential co-conspirator in the assassination of her husband three years ago at their private residence, with some claiming she is the target of a political hit job.

70 people are named in a criminal complaint including Martine Moïse, who was shot during the assassination of her husband Juvenal Moïse in July 2021.

President's wife implicated

Martine Moïse was not directly accused of planning her husband's death, and the criminal complaint did not provide any detail beyond saying that she gave statements that contradicted other witnesses. One of the suspects claimed that she wanted to take over the presidency.

The security guards stood down during the shocking attack at her residence in the hills above the capital, Port-Au-Prince, and police ignored her husband's 911 calls.

The president was shot, beaten, and had one of his eyes gouged out by a group of Colombian mercenaries pretending to be Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. Martine Moïse was shot in the arm and airlifted to Miami for medical treatment.

"We do not believe that she is or could ever be a suspect in the case," her lawyer Paul Turner said. "She was a victim, just like her children that were there, and her husband."

Arrest warrant issued

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged 11 individuals over the plot and Martine Moïse is expected to testify in some of their trials this year.

An arrest warrant was issued for her in Haiti after she failed to appear for an interview with investigators. Her lawyer said she gave an initial statement but has not been willing to return to Haiti over safety concerns.

Her lawyer also said she was not likely served with a subpoena because her location is a well-kept secret.

Political prosecution?

There have been no charges filed in Haiti more than two years after the assassination, which plunged the impoverished country into political strife and gang violence. Some have said the investigation is politically motivated.

The prosecutor who filed the criminal complaint was appointed by the current prime minister, Ariel Henry, who has been linked with the assassination plot. Henry's predecessor, Claude Joseph, was named in the criminal complaint.

Joseph defended Martine Moïse, saying her alleged involvement "makes no sense."

"Why would Martine Moïse have her husband killed in a massive plot involving 20 Colombian former soldiers when they live together and could find a million easier ways to get rid of him if she wanted to?" he asked.

A judge must approve the recommended charges.