CAP-HAITIEN, Haiti — The funeral for slain Haitian President Jovenel Moise was briefly interrupted Friday by nearby gunfire and tear gas as well as agitated supporters that caused U.S. and U.N. officials to leave before his widow spoke publicly for the first time since the attack.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the private compound where Mr. Moise’s funeral was held as some mourners inside shouted, “Justice for Jovenel!” and cheered when his widow, Martine Moise, who was seriously injured in the July 7 attack at the couple’s home, rose to the podium at the end of the funeral.
“They’re watching us, waiting for us to be afraid,” she said. “We don’t want vengeance or violence. We’re not going to be scared.”
Smoke and ash from burning barricades that demonstrators set up around the compound, along with tear gas fired by police, blew through the ceremony as she and others spoke.
Ms. Moise’s soft voice grew stronger through the 15-minute speech as she thanked the crowd and said those responsible would not assassinate her husband’s vision, ideas, or dreams for Haiti.
“We lost a fight, but we did not lose the war,” she said as she condemned the country’s oligarchs and suggested that Mr. Moise was killed in his pursuit to provide electricity, build roads, and make a better life for poor people.
She later addressed his killers: “They are here looking at us. They are not even hiding.”
The funeral was held amid heavy security following violent protests and fears of political volatility in the nation.
Before the funeral began, cries of “Assassin!” filled the air at the arrival of Haiti’s National Police Chief Leon Charles. Haitians clad in somber suits, shiny shoes, and black and white formal dresses shouted and pointed fingers at the seating platforms where Haitian officials and foreign dignitaries sat above a dozen men with powerful weapons.
Yves Paul Leandre, spokesman for Haiti’s Communications Ministry, said the U.S. and United Nations delegations left about 10 to 15 minutes after arriving because of hostile words that Moise supporters inside the compound shouted at everyone arriving.
First Published July 24, 2021, 4:33 a.m.
