The disciplinary tribunal of the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ) ruled, following a public hearing held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, on two serious complaints filed against Judge Merlan Belabre, investigating magistrate at the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince. Following deliberations, the tribunal imposed a sanction of suspension without pay for a period of three years against Magistrate Belabre for serious breaches of his legal and professional duties. Prior to this ruling by the disciplinary tribunal, Magistrate Belabre had already been placed on a three-month suspension by the CSPJ.

The complaints involved unlawful releases in cases of rape of minors. The incidents date back to January 2025, when a dual complaint was submitted to the CSPJ.