Haiti's President Jovenel Moise speaks during a news conference at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 2, 2020. (Photo: Agencies)

MEXICO CITY - Haitian President Jovenel Moise denounced on Sunday an attempted coup and assassination that was thwarted by the National Palace security.

At least 20 people, including a Supreme Court judge and a police inspector, were arrested and will be questioned by the head of the Higher Council of the National Police and Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe, alongside the director of law enforcement, Leon Charles, he said.

According to the president, the "vast conspiracy" dated back to November last year and had the aim of assassinating him on Saturday.

Moise made the remarks on the event at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, minutes before starting his trip to the southern city of Jacmel, where he will open Carnival festivities.