Haitian student Slanda François, detained in Russia since October 2025 in Moscow on immigration charges, has finally been released, along with fellow student Anne Betsaïna César. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that a favorable outcome has been reached in the case of the two students detained in the Russian Federation. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47947-haiti-is-negotiating-the-repatriation-of-haitians-detained-in-moscow.html

Following diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the relevant authorities, the two women were able to leave the Russian Federation on Saturday, July 25, 2026, accompanied by Haiti's Chargé d'affaires in Vietnam, Jean-Pierre Dorval, who was dispatched to Moscow by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to oversee the case.

The return journey to Haiti will, however, be somewhat lengthy. According to available information, the two students will have a transit stopover in Istanbul, Turkey, after leaving Russia. Their final arrival at Cap-Haitien International Airport is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, where they will finally be reunited with their families.

The Ministry commends the cooperation of the Russian Federation authorities and the commitment of the Haitian diplomatic missions, which contributed to the success of this operation.

Minister Raina Forbin reiterates the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Haiti to continue, through diplomatic channels and appropriate means, all necessary actions for the protection and assistance of Haitian citizens abroad.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-48064-haiti-moscow-haitian-student-slanda-francois-detained-in-russia-released.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47947-haiti-is-negotiating-the-repatriation-of-haitians-detained-in-moscow.html

IH/ iciHaiti