The Sanon trial begins in Miami

Christian Emmanuel Sanon, 67, went on trial in U.S. District Court in Miami, having pleaded not guilty to 8 charges including conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moïse — with life exposure. A jury of 12 plus 4 alternates was selected September 28; openings followed September 29. His lawyers unsuccessfully sought a 30-day delay after the eve-of-trial unsealing of the expanded indictment. Prosecutors say he recruited and gathered the conspirators and hoped to succeed Moïse; his defence says he had ambitions but was sidelined and never knew of a kill plan. Martine Moïse is an expected witness. As of October 23, 2026: trial underway, no verdict reported.