Madagascar's former Senate President sentenced to ten years hard labor for complicity in 2025 protest repression
Richard Ravalomanana, former President of the Senate of Madagascar, has been sentenced to ten years of hard labor for complicity in the repression of protests that occurred in Antananarivo in September and October 2025. The protests, which began on September 25, 2025, were initially sparked by incessant water and electricity cuts, but escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations, leading to calls for the President's departure. President Andry Rajoelina publicly claimed the protests were an opposition maneuver to instigate a coup, funded by foreign entities. The situation intensified with clashes between security forces and demonstrators, and widespread mobilization across other major cities. Pro-government supporters also organized counter-mobilizations. The popular uprising culminated in a coup d'état on October 17, 2025, with Colonel Michael Randrianirina becoming president. The UN reported at least 22 deaths and over a hundred injuries from the protests. Ravalomanana was accused of complicity in murder and voluntary assault, specifically for allegedly instructing security forces to use violence and facilitating abuses against protesters. He denied these allegations, with the former Director General of the National Police, Dany Marius Rakotozanany, stating that Ravalomanana was not part of the operational command chain and did not issue orders to police, gendarmerie, or military personnel. Despite the defense's arguments, the court found him guilty. Ravalomanana's
