Champion of justice or reckless disruptor? The story of a lawyer challenging Haiti’s broken system.
Politics | The Haitian Pulse Editorial Team | July 10, 2025
In a country where the legal system often operates in the shadows, Me Caleb Jean-Baptiste has emerged as one of the most outspoken and divisive attorneys in Haiti. His dual reputation—as both a fearless anti-corruption advocate and a controversial figure accused of overstepping legal boundaries—lays bare Haiti’s urgent need for both justice and ethical leadership.
A Relentless Voice Against Corruption
Caleb first gained national attention in late 2024, when he became one of the few attorneys bold enough to take on Unibank, Haiti’s largest private financial institution. Representing clients whose savings were allegedly withheld under suspicious circumstances, Caleb accused the bank of systemic corruption. His stand made headlines after Unibank retaliated by freezing his own accounts and, according to his claims, offering him bribes to drop the case. Caleb refused.
“If fighting for justice costs me my livelihood, so be it. I will not be bought,” he declared in an emotional press conference, cementing his image as a fearless advocate for ordinary Haitians.
He later formed the Bloc of Lawyers Committed to the Release of Political Prisoners, amplifying his voice against human rights abuses and corruption.
Ethical Questions Surface
Yet, for all his righteous rhetoric, Caleb’s methods have raised questions even among supporters. In June 2023, a viral video showed him present during the arrest of Yaël Johanna Clerié Zreik in Pèlerin 5. Critics accused him of engaging in conduct unbecoming of a legal professional. The Bar of Port-au-Prince quickly condemned his actions, stating that lawyers are not permitted to take part in arrest operations.
This was the first public indication that Caleb’s aggressive style—while effective in bringing attention to Haiti’s systemic failures—might also reflect a troubling disregard for ethical constraints.
Bar Suspension and Office Closure
The situation escalated in early July 2025. On the 3rd, the Bar Council of Port-au-Prince formally suspended Caleb’s right to practice law in the jurisdiction, citing numerous violations of professional conduct. Acting bâtonnier Max Stanley Lafortune issued a statement on July 7 announcing the closure of Caleb’s office in Delmas 19, which had allegedly been operating illegally.
“This measure is meant to protect the public and preserve the integrity of the profession,” Lafortune explained.
For Caleb’s critics, the suspension represents necessary accountability. For his supporters, it appears to be yet another example of Haiti’s corrupt elite trying to silence a rare voice of dissent.
A Polarizing Figure
Caleb’s story highlights the difficult balance between bold advocacy and ethical practice. Many see him as a much-needed disruptor in a legal system that often serves the interests of the powerful. Others argue that his methods, though well-intentioned, could weaken the credibility of the very institutions he claims to defend.
“Caleb Jean-Baptiste is both a symptom and a response to Haiti’s broken justice system,” says political analyst Marie-Denise Paul. “He exposes the rot, but also risks deepening public distrust if he doesn’t hold himself to the highest standards.”
The Haitian Pulse Speaks
At The Haitian Pulse, we believe Caleb Jean-Baptiste embodies the paradox of Haiti’s struggle for justice. His courage is undeniable, and his determination to challenge powerful institutions has inspired many. But justice requires more than boldness—it demands integrity. If Haiti is to build a society where the law protects all citizens equally, its champions must not become mirror images of the corrupt forces they oppose.
“Haiti cannot afford justice without integrity,” says our editorial board. “Bravery must be coupled with respect for the rule of law. Otherwise, the fight against corruption risks collapsing under its own contradictions.”
The Road Ahead
With his suspension from the bar, Caleb faces a pivotal moment in his career. Will he double down on activism, framing himself as a martyr for Haiti’s poor? Or will he take this opportunity to reflect on how his methods might strengthen—not weaken—the cause he champions?
For Haiti’s legal system, the stakes are even higher. The country desperately needs attorneys who are both fearless and principled—leaders who can restore trust in institutions and help guide a fractured nation toward accountability.
Caleb Jean-Baptiste is a reminder of how fragile that balance is, and how essential it is to get it right.
At The Haitian Pulse, every article we publish is written with an unfiltered, unbiased, and straightforward Haitian perspective. We’re committed to delivering content that informs, inspires, and empowers. Sign up for updates and leave a comment below — your voice matters.
Comments