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Washington, D.C. – The United States has sanctioned Prophane Victor, a former Haitian parliamentarian, and Luckson Elan, leader of the Gran Grif gang, for their involvement in severe human rights abuses in Haiti. The sanctions, announced by the U.S. State Department, aim to hold both men accountable for fueling violence in the country.
Victor is accused of arming and supporting gangs, while Elan leads one of the most violent groups in the Artibonite region. A recent United Nations report highlights their roles in escalating gang violence, which includes widespread sexual and gender-based violence against civilians.
The sanctions fall under the Global Magnitsky Act, which allows the U.S. to impose financial penalties and travel bans on those involved in human rights abuses. This move aligns with President Biden’s 2022 Memorandum focused on combatting sexual violence in conflict zones.
Executive Order 13818 empowers the U.S. Treasury to enforce these measures, reinforcing the country’s commitment to human rights and global accountability.
Prophane Victor, a former Haitian parliamentarian, has long been accused of exploiting his political influence to support and arm criminal gangs in Haiti. His actions, particularly in the Artibonite region, have contributed significantly to the destabilization of the country. Reports indicate that Victor provided material and logistical support to gang leaders, including Luckson Elan, further empowering them to perpetrate acts of violence and human rights abuses. These gangs, emboldened by political backing, have engaged in various crimes, including extortion, kidnapping, and widespread sexual violence against civilians.
Victor’s role in facilitating gang activity has exacerbated the ongoing insecurity in Haiti, making it difficult for the government and international actors to restore order. His actions, in part, have fueled the escalating crisis, which has caused immense suffering and displacement among the Haitian population.
By imposing these sanctions, the U.S. aims to curtail Victor’s capacity to further destabilize the region and hold him accountable for his role in perpetuating violence and human rights violations in Haiti.
For further details, refer to the U.S. Treasury Department’s press release.
