A judge in Haiti has officially charged Martine Moise, the widow of the late President Jovenel Moise, in connection with the assassination of the former leader on July 7, 2021, according to BBC.

The murder charges follow a comprehensive two-year investigation, with leaked legal documents suggesting accusations of "complicity and criminal association."

Martine Moise, who survived the attack that claimed her husband's life, is among 51 individuals charged, but the document fails to pinpoint those responsible for ordering and financing the assassination.

Widow and Haiti Former Prime Minister Accused of Conspiring to Kill President

According to a 122-page document from Judge Walther Wesser Voltaire, made public by AyiboPost, Martine Moise allegedly conspired with former Prime Minister Claude Joseph to orchestrate the president's murder, with the intention of positioning herself as his replacement.

The assault took place in the couple's Port-au-Prince bedroom, resulting in President Jovenel Moise's death and injuries to the former first lady, per The Guardian.

The judge's order mandates the arrest and trial of those implicated.

Despite Reuters' request for comments, neither Martine Moise nor Joseph immediately responded.

Former Haiti first lady Martine Moise has criticized what she perceives as "unjust arrests" and "political persecution" on social media.

Joseph, on the other hand, accused the current Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, of manipulating the Haitian justice system for political gain, referring to it as a "classic coup d'etat."

A spokesperson for Henry's office emphasized the judge's independence and stated that he is "free to issue his order in accordance with the law and his conscience."

Henry had assumed office shortly before the assassination, pledging to hold elections but later citing challenges such as a devastating earthquake and the rise of heavily armed criminal gangs for indefinite postponement.

Defense Firm Claims Innocence; Former Prime Minister Denies Involvement

The law firm representing Martine Moïse, PBY&A, asserted her innocence, CNN noted.

"She has no motivation for this attack, and her inclusion is supposedly based on her imperfect memory of the most traumatic night of her life," the law firm said.

The firm condemned her inclusion in the indictment, calling it an "embarrassment" that questions the legitimacy of the current Haitian government.

Paul Turner, a partner at PBY&A representing Mrs. Moise, affirmed their commitment to vigorously defend against the murder charges.

Former Prime Minister Claude Joseph also denied involvement in the assassination, accusing Prime Minister Ariel Henry of wielding the Haitian justice system as a weapon.

Joseph claimed that the government, responsible for the assassination attempt on him and Martine Moise, is now manipulating justice to advance its agenda.

The prime minister's office refuted any connection between Henry and the judge's decision, emphasizing the judge's independence.

Haiti authorities have arrested 44 individuals in connection with the assassination, including 20 Colombians. Additionally, the US State Department has charged 11 men in connection with the plot.

Haiti, grappling with gang-related violence and political turmoil, has seen over 200,000 people displaced in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Protests demanding Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation erupted recently, fueled by frustrations over gang violence, poverty, and the delayed organization of general elections.

The unfolding legal proceedings against Martine Moise add another layer of complexity to the country's challenges, with lingering questions about who orchestrated and financed former Haiti President Jovenel Moise's tragic assassination.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse indicted in his killing - From Associated Press