Gassant Steps Down

M. Claudy Gassant, the rogue official in charge of Parquet, the next department we go to (whenever we get out of IBESR), has been fired/has resigned. (This is the guy who several months ago called a conference and told the attorneys that he rules and that's that.) I don't know how this is going to effect the process. Please pray it speeds it up!

Haiti's top prosecutor resigns following a week of drama

By JACQUELINE CHARLES

A weekslong feud between two of Haiti's top lawmen ended this week with the abrupt resignation of the country's top prosecutor.

Just days after declaring in a press conference that the only way he would leave his post as Port-au-Prince district attorney is if he were fired, Claudy Gassant handed in his resignation late Monday. He confirmed his resignation in an e-mail to The Miami Herald Tuesday, but declined to comment further.

The resignation was the final episode of a clash between Gassant -- the man tasked by Haitian President René Préval with rooting out corruption -- and Petionville Police Commissioner Frantz Georges.

The drama features a high-profile cast of characters including Préval, making a brief cameo as the referee forced to temper outsized egos. The scenes revolve around exclusive summer beach bashes and a congested Port-au-Prince street. And the plot includes a police chase, allegations of kidnapping and a disputed slap in a men's bathroom.

The supporting cast of characters include the owner of a security firm -- who is close friends with the police chief and who has given protection to everyone from international hip hop stars to foreign diplomats -- and a former journalist who now handles the media for the president.
The opening scene takes place on a July weekend at the Ayiti Men Konpa Festival when Gassant, a controversial figure, and a security guard get into an argument after Gassant is refused reentry to the music concert.

It ends with Gassant ordering a gun-check at the concert and jailing security firm owner Fayed Esper on charges of having an illegal weapon.

Days later, police issue a bulletin on a car involved in an alleged kidnapping. They are patrolling the streets of Delma district in Port-au-Prince when they see a SUV fitting the description of the vehicle.

Gassant and Assad Volcy, who handles media for Préval, are having a drink together at a popular hangout spot when Volcy reportedly receives a call about the police chase involving his vehicle. According to press reports, the vehicle is abandoned but not before the alleged suspects throw out a gun.

Gassant and Georges arrive at the scene and egos collide. When the police attempt to tow Volcy's car, Gassant intervenes. At some point, there is another standoff -- this one involving two of Gassant's prosecutors and Georges. Gassant later accuses Georges of kidnapping his prosecutors.

Gassant then takes to the radio to publicly defend Volcy and hints that police were just out for revenge for the arrest of Esper, the security firm owner arrested at the konpa festival.

On Aug. 2, the scene turns to a beach party featuring T-Vice, a popular konpa band, performing at the Club Indigo resort. Gassant and Georges are both in the bathroom.

Georges' version: He went to say hello to Gassant and as he was reaching his hand for a handshake, Gassant slapped him.

Gassant's version: Georges was taunting him. He told Georges he was ''being unreasonable,'' and refused to shake his hand. Georges then grabbed his arm to force the handshake. Gassant claims he only defended himself and did not slap him.

As the Haitian press revels in this new ''Affaire Gassant,'' the chief prosecutor issues an arrest warrant against Georges, accusing him of ''kidnapping'' his two prosecutors for two hours the week before. Just hours after, Georges' lawyer announces that he's filed a complaint against Gassant for hitting his client. Gassant is summoned to appear in a court in the city of St. Marc. He refuses, handing in his resignation letter, instead.