Port-au-Prince mayor files lawsuit after warrantless search of home

The mayor of Port-au-Prince, Ralph Youri Chevry, says he has filed a lawsuit with the Port-au-Prince Criminal Court following what he described as an illegal, warrantless search of his residence by Haitian authorities.

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In a statement issued Monday, Chevry said the near three-hour operation was carried out without a judicial warrant or formal explanation, prompting him to seek legal redress.

“This legal action aims to obtain justice in the face of an intervention that I consider illegal and arbitrary, and to reiterate that no one is above the law, regardless of their position,” Chevry said. He added that the move was “neither personal nor political” but rooted in respect for Haiti’s Constitution, the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

According to Chevry, the incident occurred on December 13, when he said he was awakened by gunfire during the operation and that his dog was “unjustifiably killed.” He alleged that Fritz Patterson Dorval, the government commissioner of Port-au-Prince, led the operation, accompanied by armed men wearing uniforms from several units of the Haitian National Police, including specialised units.

Chevry said the purpose of the search was never formally communicated to him and that no warrant was presented at any point. He also reported that one of his security agents was arrested during the operation and later released in Delmas, and that no charges were brought against him.

He further claimed that weapons issued to him by the police for his security were confiscated, including a Galil AC 22 (Taurus), a T4, an AR-15, ammunition, a communication radio and a surveillance drone.

Citing Haiti’s Code of Criminal Procedure, Chevry said any search must be authorised by a competent judge, supported by a reasoned warrant and carried out in the presence of witnesses. He said the absence of these safeguards warranted legal clarification in keeping with the principles of the rule of law.

“I cooperated calmly and responsibly, respecting the institutions, while acknowledging the specific circumstances of this operation,” Chevry said. “I reaffirm my commitment to the rule of law, respect for legal procedures, and transparency. I also remain devoted to my home town, Port-au-Prince, and to my beloved country, Haiti.”

Authorities have not issued an official statement on the matter.