PORT-AU-PRINCE, (MILLAT/APP/AFP) – The motorcade of ex-Haitian
president Jean-Bertrand Aristide came under fire in the capital Monday after he appeared as a witness in a money laundering case, his lawyer said.
Several hundred supporters of the ex-head of state had taken to the
streets of Port-au-Prince as he made the rare appearance at the request of a judge.
“The motorcade has come under fire and this is tantamount to an
assassination attempt,” said Mario Joseph, who represents the former president.
He said the shots were fired at the rear door where Aristide was sitting.
“He is unharmed, but one person is injured and recovering in hospital,” the
lawyer said.
Forced to quit power and flee the country in 2004, Aristide has made only very rare public appearances since his return from exile in South Africa in 2011.
The 63-year-old gave testimony Monday for more than two hours, during which he “responded to questions from the investigating judge. He said what he knew,” said Joseph.
“The judge is investigating the accused Jean Anthony Nazaire, who worked as security chief during Mr Aristide’s tenure. This is why he was heard.”