Family of Haitian ex-senator to be deported

The wife and sons of former Haitian Senator Joseph Joel John, an alleged accomplice in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, are to be deported.

The removal order was issued on Monday by the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

However, before issuing the order, the foreigners, Edume, 38, and her sons – Schopenhauer, 17, and a nine-year-old boy – were admonished and discharged on illegal entry charges by Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montaque.

The Haitians were arrested and charged in January after they were found in St Elizabeth.

However, while they were in custody the ex-senator consented to a United States extradition request, which was effected this month.

The remaining family members had unsuccessfully applied for refugee status.

Last month, their attorney, Donahue Martin, had informed the court that he would appeal the refusal.

Yesterday, he indicated that the appeal would be abandoned as it would not have been heard before yesterday’s court appearance.