Madagascar ex-Senate chief sentenced to hard labour over deadly Gen Z protest crackdown

The protests began a year ago, initially sparked by anger over persistent power and water shortages, before developing into a broader movement against Rajoelina's government.At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured during the unrest, according to UN figures cited by local media.The protests eventually triggered a political crisis that led to Rajoelina's removal from power and the installation of a new administration led by Col Michael Randrianirina.The crackdown was led by the gendarmerie, where Ravalomanana retained considerable influence at the time.He "directed violent actions to suppress the demonstrations", a state prosecutor said in December 2025.Ravalomanana was removed as Senate president in October, shortly after the protests, and was arrested at his home in December after failing to respond to a summons from the gendarmerie.He was later placed in pre-trial detention at the high-security Imerintsiatosika prison outside Antananarivo, where he has spent the past seven months.He is among several senior figures associated with Rajoelina's former government who have faced legal proceedings since the change of power. Ravalomanana is also facing a separate corrupt...