Madagascar Confirms Two Attempted Coup Leaders Seriously Ill
The head of Madagascar’s prison service confirmed that two of the leaders of last week’s coup attempt were seriously ill in a prison hospital after giving themselves up to forces loyal to the government.
“Colonel Coutiti and General Raoelina are not dead,” though they are gravely ill, said Tovonjanahary Ranaivo Andriamaroahina, director of prison administration, in an interview today.
Andriamaroahina also confirmed that three opposition leaders, including Fetison Andrianirinia, head of deposed President Marc Ravalomanana’s party, were moved to a secret location last week, according to a statement handed to reporters in the capital, Antananarivo.
“They are fine, we did this to avoid a security issue following rumors of an attack on the prison where they were being held ahead,” he said.
The three leaders were arrested on Nov. 11 in a protest over a referendum on constitutional changes to be held on Nov. 17. Madagascar has been in a political crisis since President Andry Rajoelina seized power in March 2009 with the help of the military.
To contact the reporter on this story: Hannah McNeish in Antananarivo via Johannesburg at pmrichardson@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Antony Sguazzin in Johannesburg at asguazzin@bloomberg.net
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