Verbal Resignation Was under Duress

James Morrell, director of the project, 2008-03-21

Haiti Democracy Project web page item #3915 (http://www.haitipolicy.org)

The Haiti Democracy Project has learned that Senator Boulos was under distinct physical duress when he gave his verbal assent to the resignation demanded by senators on March 18, 2008. A lynch atmosphere was developing in the building, whipped up by blandishments of the executive branch to a number of senators. Senator Boulos feared serious consequences including physical arrest if he did not comply. He believed, and we concur that he had grounds, that once in prison he would likely be murdered the same evening. He gave the verbal assent in order to escape a life-threatening situation.

Once safely in the Nord-Est, and beseeched by influential constituents to stay at his post, he so decided. He is determined to uphold the interests of the people of this department, one of the poorest in Haiti.