SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The U.S. government imposed visa restrictions on Fritz Alphonse Jean, a member of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, accusing him of supporting gangs and other criminal organizations as the country’s political instability threatened to deepen.

The U.S. did not name the person it sanctioned in late Monday's announcement, but Jean confirmed it was him, telling The Associated Press on Tuesday that he rejected those accusations, which some believe are being used as a threat to try and influence Haiti's politics.

Haiti is due to hold elections by Feb. 7, when the nine-member transitional presidential council is supposed to step down. Critics have asserted that some council members seek to stay in power beyond that date and are looking for a new prime minister w

See Full Page