HAITI-Police detain former legislator.

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC- Police say they have detained former legislator Arnel Bélizaire, whom the United States said had been involved in significant corruption during his time in public office.

The move by the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) in Pétion-Ville over the last weekend came two days after he registered his political party for Haiti’s elections, with the first round of voting set for August 30 and a second round for December 5, 2026.

In announcing his arrest last Saturday, police said Bélizaire was wanted on charges related to financing terrorism, criminal association, and conspiracy against State security. He was apprehended at the Hotel Oasis’ restaurant in Pétion-Ville, an upscale suburb less than 10 miles from the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Last September, Bélizaire was one of two Haitians whom the United States Department of State publicly designated “for their involvement in significant corruption during their time in public office.”

Washington said that the action renders Bélizaire, a former member of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies, and Antonio Cheramy, a former Haitian Senator, and their immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States.

“Bélizaire and Cheramy abused their positions by interfering with public processes of the Haitian government. These corrupt and destructive acts had serious effects on U.S. national interests by further destabilizing Haiti’s institutions and processes.

“The designations reaffirm the United States’ commitment to ensuring accountability for individuals who contribute to the destabilization of Haiti,” Washington added.

Last week, Bélizaire submitted documents to register his new political party, the “Liberation Platform,” with Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), and his public appearance drew public attention, given that the police had issued a wanted notice for him months earlier.

The CEP said it has registered 320 political parties and organizations for the election and is expected to publish the final list of qualified entities on March 26.