Haiti's Courts Struggle Against Gangs

In Port-au-Prince, a fairground atmosphere belies the grim reality facing the city's judicial system, which has been severely impacted by gang violence. Visitors to the special labor court encounter individuals offering dubious legal advice, while magistrates are forced to operate from cramped, poorly equipped offices. The situation deteriorated significantly after armed gangs ransacked the courthouse in the Bicentenaire district in June 2022, driving magistrates away and leaving many case files abandoned. The Port-au-Prince trial court, the largest in Haiti, now shares its space with the special labor court, where 22 officials rotate through small, windowless rooms. This overcrowding not only hampers judicial efficiency but also jeopardizes the safety of the magistrates. The dire conditions are exacerbated by a lack of funding, with justice receiving a mere 1% of the government budget, primarily allocated for civil servant salaries, leaving little for necessary renovations or investigations. Magistrates and court clerks have expressed their frustration through repeated strikes, protesting against their "appalling" working conditions. These strikes have further paralyzed the judicial system, with the last trial held in the Assize Court of Port-au-Prince dating back to July 2018. Calls for increased investment in the judicial infrastructure are growing, as stakeholders emphasize the urgent need for improvements to restore functionality and safety to Haiti's courts.