WASHINGTON, USA – A jury has convicted Jean Morose Viliena, the former Mayor of Les Irois, Haiti, for possessing and using a fraudulently obtained Permanent Resident Card. Viliena misrepresented his history, falsely claiming he had not participated in extrajudicial political killings and other violent acts against the Haitian people.
“Today, a jury determined that Jean Morose Viliena deceived authorities to enter the United States after committing egregious acts of violence in Haiti,” stated a spokesperson for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that human rights violators do not enter and remain in our communities. We appreciate the courage of victims and witnesses who collaborated with law enforcement to bring Viliena to justice.”
“The political corruption and violence inflicted upon the people of Haiti under Viliena’s leadership is deeply troubling,” commented the US Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. “The United States is not a refuge for those attempting to escape their past crimes. This conviction serves as a reminder that evading justice is futile and that those who lie to federal officials will eventually be held accountable.”
“Viliena’s heinous actions, both directly and through armed groups he controlled, rendered him ineligible for entry into the United States,” remarked the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “He has now faced repercussions for his deception in seeking to live in Massachusetts. HSI actively pursues human rights offenders who attempt to evade their criminal histories, ensuring our country doesn’t become a sanctuary for such individuals.”
Viliena served as the Mayor of Les Irois, Haiti, from December 2006 until at least February 2010. His political career was bolstered by a faction known as Korega, which maintained influence in southwestern Haiti through a network of armed violence. Viliena directly oversaw both his municipal staff and armed supporters, who enforced his policies through intimidation and violent means against local residents.
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