The U.S. Department of State claimed that Haitian former president Michel Martelly had been added to the sanctions list.
Michel Martelly was designated for his role in the global illicit drug trade, and “Martelly abused his influence to facilitate drug trafficking and sponsored multiple Haiti-based gangs. Narcotics trafficking and gang-related violence contributed to political instability and insecurity in Haiti, creating an untenable living situation for the Haitian people.”
The U.S Department of State noted that it is unacceptable for political and economic elites in Haiti to plunder the country’s future.
Before his political career, Michel Martelly was known as a musician under the name Sweet Micky. He won the 2010-11 Haitian presidential election after a runoff against Mirlande Manigat.
Martelly resigned from the presidency on February 10, 2016. He was replaced by Jocelerme Privert, who served as interim president.
