Gamall Augustin Case: His Lawyer Cites Procedural Defect and Files Habeas Corpus Petition
By La Rédaction · Port-au-Prince
· 2 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
PORT-AU-PRINCE.— The arrest of Gamall Jules Augustin, former director general of Télévision nationale d’Haïti (TNH), continues to make headlines and spark debates on the legality of judicial procedures in Haiti. His lawyer, Me Mario Delcy, announced that he has filed a habeas corpus petition to challenge his client's detention.
Indeed, according to the lawyer, Mr. Augustin's arrest on September 23 by investigators from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) has no legal basis. «The ULCC does not have the authority to make arrests. Its mission is to investigate and submit its reports to the competent judicial authorities,» argued Me Delcy.
«Several legal experts and civil society organizations agree,» the lawyer continued, believing that this arrest illustrates an institutional deviation and an encroachment by the ULCC on the prerogatives of the public prosecutor's office and the judicial police.
*The case already transferred to the investigating judge's office*
After the arrest, the case was entrusted to the Dean of the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince, Judge Bernard Saint-Vil, who forwarded it to the investigating judge's office. Judge Étienne Mercier was appointed to lead the investigation.
The former head of TNH is accused of embezzlement of public funds, abuse of office, and illegal taking of interest. These are serious charges which, according to several observers, require a rigorous and impartial investigation.
*A controversial procedure that seems to weaken the case*
While the accusations against Gamall Augustin are serious, it is the legality of the process leading to his arrest that is now at the heart of the debates. The procedure, challenged by the defense, could weaken the case if judges were to conclude that the accused's fundamental rights were not respected.
This case highlights the recurring tensions between Haitian institutions, as well as the fragilities of the judicial system. It fuels a lively public debate on the fight against corruption, the separation of powers, and respect for procedural guarantees.
Jean Mapou
