Former Baptist Pastor Stands Trial for Alleged Role in Haitian President's Assassination

Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a 67-year-old Haitian American pastor and physician, has entered a plea of not guilty as his trial begins in the United States. Sanon, who previously served as the director of the Haitian Church Planting Department for the Florida Baptist Convention, faces charges related to the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.

Federal prosecutors allege that Sanon participated in meetings in South Florida to coordinate a regime change in Haiti. According to court documents, the conspiracy involved hiring approximately 20 Colombian nationals with military training to facilitate the overthrow of the president. Investigators claim that Sanon was involved in the illegal export of ballistic vests, which were falsely labeled as medical equipment, and that the conspirators used these vests while posing as DEA agents during the attack on the president's residence.

President Moïse was fatally shot at his home in Port-au-Prince, while his wife, Martine Moïse, survived the attack. Sanon is among several individuals, including dual citizens and foreign nationals, charged in connection with the plot.