Thread by @JakobJohnston

Today's @CIDH hearing on human rights in Haiti starting now. Can watch here: oas.org/en/iachr/jsFor…

Mario Joseph highlights recent decree that expands definition of terrorism -- notes that blocking roads, a common protest tactic, is now considered a terrorist act.

Far from upholding judicial independence, the government has undermined it daily, Joseph says.

Joseph now detailing the horrific crimes perpetrated in the La Saline massacre of 2018. Today, the US sanctioned three individuals for their role in the massacre.

Joseph requests CIDH come to Haiti for in loco visit to assess the human rights situation.

Despite principal of separations of power, the violations have become ever-more insufferable. The judiciary has been muzzled and shackled, Lionel Constant Bourgoin says.

Bourgoin: What most worries us today is the actual threatening of the rule of law, this is what is at stake today.

Justice delayed is no justice at all, the next speaker, Sonel Jean Francois says.

When the judiciary operates on such a shoestring budget, it will not be able to succeed, Francois concluded.

Up next is recently appointed Haitian ambassador to the US Bocchit Edmond.

The ambassador says he won't use his full 20 minutes, just wants to "clarify a few things ..."

Ambassador: When we talk about decrees and executive orders ... it exists in all governments, including the US.

"Crimes were committed" - nice use of passive voice by the ambassador.

Says there is a judicial proceeding underway in regards to La Saline, have to wait for that process to play out.

Edmond now says he has to step away for another conference call. sounds about right.

One of the IACHR commissioners says looking for more concrete commitment from the Haitian state. Keep hearing from civil society that there has not been any change.

Need more concerted action, not just from the Haitian government, but also by the IACHR itself. But also need political will to solve problems, the commissioner notes.

"This is not a question of blame, but a question of responsibility," says @ijdh's Sasha Filippova.

Bourgone: You know we know -- the ambassador has a clear picture of what is going on. The executive knows they have a number of judges in their pockets – “team players.”

So, Edmond isn't going to make it back from his very important zoom call. Which about sums up the Haitian state's stance toward human rights concerns.

Mario Joseph concluded with another plea for the IACHR to designate Haiti under Chapter IV.B, requiring in site visit to investigate human rights situation. Here is criteria for such a designation.