U.S. Magistrate Judge Eduardo Sanchez ordered Victor Albeiro Pineda Cardona and Samir Handal held without bond after a hearing in Miami federal court Monday. Both are defendants in the federal prosecution related to Haitian President Jovenel Moïse’s 2021 assassination.
Prosecutors allege Pineda was one of the gunmen, citing statements from other participants and a tactical vest they say bore his nickname. They accuse Handal of providing resources to people involved in the plot and expecting an ambassadorship if Christian Sanon took power. The judge found that neither defendant could be released under conditions that would reasonably assure court appearances and community safety.
Miami Talks