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Madagascar Ex-Senate President Sentenced to 10 Years over Protest Crackdown
The former Senate chief was jailed after a court said he helped suppress protests that killed at least 22 people, according to UN figures cited by local media.
- On Tuesday, a court in Madagascar sentenced former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana to 10 years of hard labour after convicting him of complicity in murder over his alleged role in a deadly crackdown on youth-led protests last year.
- Protests against President Andry Rajoelina's government began last year over persistent water and electricity shortages, eventually evolving into a wider movement that triggered a political crisis and Rajoelina's removal from power.
- At least 22 people died and more than 100 suffered injuries during the unrest, with Prosecutors claiming Ravalomanana directed the gendarmerie to suppress demonstrators.
- Denying the charges, Ravalomanana has spent seven months in pre-trial detention at Imerintsiatosika prison outside Antananarivo. His lawyer questioned the verdict, asking, "Is there confirmed written or verbal evidence... to accuse him?"
- Led by Col Michael Randrianirina, the new administration now governs Madagascar as Ravalomanana remains among several senior figures associated with Rajoelina's former government who have faced legal proceedings since the change of power.
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13 Articles
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Richard Ravalomanana, with his cowboy hat and military decorations, was considered a symbol of authoritarian power.
·Marousi, Greece
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Madagascar ex-Senate president sentenced to 10 years over protest crackdown
Madagascar's former Senate president Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour on Tuesday after being convicted of complicity in murder over his alleged role in a deadly crackdown on youth-led protests last year.
·Pointe-Noire, Congo (the)
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 25%
C 50%
R 25%
Factuality
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