Ex-Haiti Mayor Accused of Killing Faces Civil Trial

UNITED STATES – The former mayor of a small Haitian town is on trial in the United States, accused of terrorizing his political opponents.

The lawsuit against Jean Morose Viliena filed by the center for justice and accountability in San Francisco, includes claims of killing, torture and arson in the town of Les Irois.

Three Haitian citizens allege they or their relatives were violently persecuted by the defendant and his political allies. The civil trial, which began Monday, highlights the violence and lack of accountability in Haiti’s politics.

The defense says the former mayor was not involved in violence and helped improve the town’s infrastructure.