Home / Community / Sanon takes the stand in his defense in Miami trial over Haiti presidential killing Community Sanon takes the stand in his defense in Miami trial over Haiti presidential killing Maya Thompson Maya Thompson
Bureau Chief · Brunswick, GA
Maya holds a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Georgia and has over 15 years of experience in local news. She previously worked for the Savannah Morning News, where she led coverage on community initiatives and grassroots movements. An avid supporter of Brunswick's cultural diversity, Maya is committed to amplifying local voices and stories.
More from Maya → Bureau Chief · Friday, November 13, 2026 at 3:29 AM · 5 min read
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Aa Sans Save PrintChristian Emmanuel Sanon took the witness stand Thursday in his own defense, spending much of his testimony addressing questions about his professional background, which
prosecutors have sought to cast doubt on,
and trying to explain how his involvement in Haiti led to accusations that he conspired to violently overthrow President Jovenel Moïse and install himself in his place.
Over roughly three hours, Sanon, who turns 68 later this month, also described how he came to know four South Florida men convicted earlier this year in Moïse’s assassination of five counts, including a conspiracy to kidnap or kill someone outside the United States and a conspiracy to lead a military expedition against a friendly nation, a violation of the U.S. Neutrality Act, which bans American citizens from waging war against any country at peace with the United States. The men now face life sentences, and
expect to be sentenced in February
.
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