The trial of Magalie Habitant, former Deputy Profane Victor, Élionor Dévallon, former director general of the Caisse d’assistance sociale (CAS), as well as two police officers, opened this Friday, November 13, 2026, before the criminal court sitting without a jury. However, the opening of the debates was marked by incidents raised by the defense lawyers, who contest the conditions under which the trial is taking place.

The presiding judge of the criminal court, Kléberson Jean-Baptiste, ordered the reading of the referral order before the opening of the debates. The defense lawyers, however, refused to engage in pleadings, preferring to raise several exceptions that they believe could taint the trial.