Rep. Castro Approves of Sanctions Against Gary Bodeau

Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) recently took to Twitter to show his approval of the sanctions against the former President of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies, Gary Bodeau.

He states, “The Biden administration's move to sanction former President of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies Gary Bodeau sends a clear message that the U.S. is committed to accountability for the corrupt officials and criminal gangs who are responsible for Haiti’s violence and instability.”

“Today, the United States announced visa restrictions and financial sanctions against former President of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies Gary Bodeau,” tweeted Rep. Castro.

“We will continue to use all tools at our disposal to support the Haitian people and promote accountability for corrupt actors.”

According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, former Haitian politician Bodeau was sanctioned “for his extensive involvement in corruption in Haiti.”

“E.O. 13818 builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.”

The U.S. statement made strong claims that violence and corruption have run amok during the former Carribbean lawmaker’s time in power. 

“Corrupt officials like Bodeau have created an environment that empowers illegal armed gangs and their supporters to inflict violence on the Haitian people,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.

The U.S. isn’t alone in its decision to sanction the former Haitian politician, as they were joined by their close, northern neighbors.

“Along with our partners, including Canada, we are committed to holding accountable those undermining the integrity of Haiti’s government and destabilizing the country,” reads the statement.

The statement highlighted the future actions that the U.S. would continue to take in addition to Canada’s sanctions.

“Bodeau has also been sanctioned by Canada. Treasury will continue to take action to hold to account individuals who are responsible for instability in Haiti.”

Furthermore, Bodeau was not the only Haitian political figure chastised for his actions. Last year, two other politicians faced penalties from the U.S.

“Today’s action follows a December action in which OFAC designated two Haitian politicians, Rony Celestin and Richard Fourcand, for abusing their power to further drug trafficking activities in the region.”

With the recent moves against international political criminals, the Biden administration is showing that it is attempting to take a hard stance against misuse of power.