AHP News - September 27, 2005 - English translation (Unofficial)  

The Haitian Conference of Bishops (CEH) suspends Father Gérard Jean-Juste from his priestly activities at his parish because of his reported wish to be a presidential candidate: the Bishops are criticized for never having intervened on behalf of the imprisoned priest  

Port-au-Prince, September 27, 2005 (AHP)- The Haitian Conference of Bishops (CEH) decided Monday to suspend the priest of the parish of Saint Claire de Petite-Place Cazeau, Father Gérard Jean-Juste, who has been imprisoned for the past several months on imprecise grounds.  

The CEH explained its decision as being due to the fact that Father Jean-Juste apparently agreed to run as a candidate for president. His candidacy was not accepted because the CEP demanded that he submit his documentation in person.  

According to the Conference of Bishops, the decision made by Gérard Jean-Juste is contrary to the laws of the church. As of this decision, the parish of Sainte-Claire de Petite Place Cazeau is no longer under the direction of Father Gérard Jean-Juste said the CEH.

In several religious circles of Port-au-Prince, sources wishing to remain anonymous considered that the Haitian Catholic hierarchy is sinking Father Jean-Juste deeper into his prison cell through this suspension.  

Men and women of the Church criticize the bishops for having never called for the release of Father Jean-Juste or even for him to appear before a judge.  

Father Jean-Juste was arrested on July 21st at St Pierre Church in Pétion-Ville where he had come to co-officiate funeral services alongside Bishop Pierre André Dumas for the journalist and poet Jacques Roche, who was found murdered four days earlier after having been kidnapped.