Madagascar ex-Senate chief sentenced to hard labour over deadly Gen Z protest crackdown
At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured during last year's unrest, according to the UN.
Madagascar's former Senate President, Richard Ravalomanana, has received a 10-year hard labor sentence for his alleged involvement in the violent suppression of youth-led demonstrations that contributed to the downfall of the previous government last year.
Ravalomanana, a retired general and close associate of former President Andry Rajoelina, was convicted of complicity in murder by an Antananarivo court on Tuesday. Prosecutors accused him of instructing security forces to use violence against demonstrators during the "Gen Z protests" in September and October 2025. Ravalomanana has denied these allegations and plans to appeal the judgment.
The protests, which began a year ago, were initially sparked by public anger over persistent power and water shortages before evolving into a broader movement against Rajoelina's administration. Local media, citing UN figures, reported that at least 22 people died and over 100 were injured during the unrest. The demonstrations ultimately triggered a political crisis, leading to Rajoelina's removal from power and the establishment of a new administration under Col Michael Randrianirina.
The crackdown was spearheaded by the gendarmerie, where Ravalomanana held significant influence at the time. A state prosecutor stated in December 2025 that he "directed violent actions to suppress the demonstrations." Ravalomanana was removed from his position as Senate president in October, shortly after the protests, and was arrested at his home in December after failing to respond to a gendarmerie summons. He has since spent the past seven months in pre-trial detention at the high-security Imerintsiatosika prison outside Antananarivo.
Ravalomanana is one of several high-ranking officials linked to Rajoelina's former government who have faced legal proceedings since the change of power. He is also currently under investigation for corruption in a separate case.
During the trial, a former national police chief testified in support of Ravalomanana, asserting that he was not part of the operational chain of command and had not issued any orders to police, gendarmes, or soldiers deployed during the unrest. Ravalomanana's lawyer questioned the evidence directly linking him to the violence, asking the court, "Is there confirmed written or verbal evidence... to accuse him?" and arguing that prosecutors had failed to provide proof that security officers received orders from his client. Ravalomanana's defense team has stated its intention to challenge the verdict in a higher court.
The court dismissed a separate accusation of making a death threat, ruling that the case was too old to prosecute. Ravalomanana, known for his cowboy hat and military medals, was perceived by protesters as a symbol of authoritarian power.