Ex-Haitian Mayor Jailed in US for Visa Fraud

Jean Morose Viliena, former mayor of Les Irois, Haiti, was sentenced to nine years in U.S. federal prison for visa fraud after hiding his involvement in political killings and torture to gain legal residency. Viliena, who lived in Massachusetts for over a decade, denied any participation in extrajudicial violence on his 2008 visa application, despite evidence of orchestrating attacks and atrocities as mayor from 2006 to 2010. He was previously found liable in a civil case and ordered to pay $15.5 million in damages to victims and their families. Prosecutors and victims argue his actions caused lasting trauma and displacement. U.S. officials stressed that the U.S. will not harbor human rights abusers and confirmed Viliena will face deportation proceedings after his sentence. Viliena maintains his innocence and is appealing the civil verdict.