President Martelly denied involvement in 13 July death of judge who had investigated corruption charges against his wife and son; Senate ordered investigation. Group of international scientists studying deadly cholera epidemic concluded UN peacekeepers most likely source.

Victims of ongoing cholera epidemic 8 May gave UN 60-day deadline to begin talks on compensation or face legal action. Former President Aristide 8 May appeared in court as part of ongoing murder investigation into unsolved assassination of journalist Jean Léopold Dominique in 2000. UNSG Ban appointed Trinidadian diplomat Sandra Honoré as SRSG and head of MINUSTAH.

Former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier 21 Feb filed last-minute appeal to avoid attending court hearing over allegations of crimes against humanity; court 24 Feb ordered Duvalier to appear before 28 Feb hearing; Duvalier complied. UN 21 Feb formally rejected compensation claims by victims of cholera outbreak which left nearly 8,000 dead.

UN launched appeals to fight cholera epidemic that has killed almost 8,000 people and deal with aftermath of tropical storm Sandy. Bishop Pierre-André Dumas 20 Dec announced Religions for Peace would withdraw as mediator if executive and legislature fail to reach agreement by Christmas on electoral council to organise overdue polls; agreement reached 24 Dec.

Police/MINUSTAH troops 13 Nov dispersed demonstrators protesting 10 Nov killing of student. 3 police killed by unknown gunmen in separate incidents in carrefour Gérald Bataille, Del- mas 21, downtown Port-au-Prince. President Martelly urged EU to consider free-trade deal with Haiti during 20 Nov speech at European Parliament. Torrential rains 9-10 Nov left at least 16 dead in North department. Haitian National Police 22 Nov arrested some 30 people claiming to be military in possession of uniforms, military IDs, locally-made weapons in Bon Repos, north of capital. Govt 26 Nov launched Framework for Coordination of Foreign Development Aid.

Thousands of opposition supporters marched in Port-au- Prince and other cities 30 Sept, 6, 8, 14, 17 Oct to demand President Martelly’s resignation. Police violently dispersed protest in Petit- Goâve 4 Oct. 1 person reportedly killed by gunshot during protest in Fort-Liberté 8 Oct; protesters clashed with police, later burned mandate for another year. Hurricane Sandy left 51 reported dead, 200,000 displaced, estimates of millions of dollars in damages.

Thousands demonstrated in Cap-Haïtien 20-21 Sept, 30 Sept to protest price increases, govt’s unfulfilled campaign promises. Superior Judiciary Council 25 Sept announced plan to repeat vote for electoral council representatives following controversy over initial nominations. President Martelly 27 Sept asked UNSG Ban for MINUSTAH troop reduction, redefinition of mandate with focus on development.

PM Lamothe 6 Aug announced cabinet reshuffle, including replacement of Interior Minister Mayard-Paul, Environment Minister Toussaint, Education Minister Paul. 6 members of provisional electoral commission (CEP) representing executive, judicial branches (CSPJ) sworn into office 1 Aug amid objections from parliament, political parties, civil society groups alleging executive influence on CSPJ in nomination of representatives. President Martelly’s Chief of Staff Milfort mid-month formed new political party, Parti Haïtien Tèt Kale (PHTK); Martelly reportedly affiliated, but not member.

President Martelly 3 July published presidential order appointing 9 members of Supreme Judiciary Council (CSPJ), elections announced for year-end; electoral council members yet to be named. Appeal hearing on human rights charges against Jean-Claude Duvalier set for 23 July reportedly postponed indefinitely. Clashes over 23 July land eviction in Marigot left 8 civilians, 5 policemen dead; Marigot residents called on MINUSTAH to investigate deaths.

President Martelly 19 June released amended constitution giving Haitians residing abroad right to own land, vote in elections, bid for local public offices; amendments also provide for formation of permanent electoral council and constitutional council. Govt 6 June confirmed continuation of compensation to ex-soldiers despite May violence. At least 1,000 demonstrated 26 June in Port-au-Prince against govt plans to clear shantytowns.