2023-12-13 08:56:05
The secretary general of the Tiako i Madagasikara (TIM) party, Ny Riana Randriamasinoro, was sentenced to 2 years in prison. The verdict was rendered yesterday by the Antananarivo criminal court. Accused of having participated in a demonstration without authorization, Ny Riana Randriamasinoro was placed in police custody for 11 days after being arrested in Analakely during the Candidates’ Collective movement.
After this verdict, his lawyer, Maître Eloi Ratefimahefamijoro, immediately announced that his client will appeal this court decision which seems to be more motivated by the
The arrest of this young politician and his prolonged police custody sparked a lot of comment within the political class. For some, this demonstrates the authoritarianism of the regime in place and the lack of democracy in the country, especially since the demonstration in which he participated was considered a peaceful democratic movement. Surprisingly, other people who participated in this movement did not suffer the same fate and relentlessness as was the case for this young politician. As a reminder, in 2022, Ny Riana Randriamasinoro has already been arrested during a demonstration at Magro Behoririka.
For Fidèle Razara Pierre, TIM journalist-MP elected in Ambatondrazaka, the detention of his party’s SG was arbitrary. For many jurists, his sentence to a suspended sentence does not justify the ten days of his police custody. The offense with which he is associated appears to be minor but the time required for the investigation, if it was not intimidation of the opposition, was too long although it was legal.
Another executive from former President Ravalomanana’s party, MP Fetra Ralambozafimbololona, should also know his fate in the coming days. Arrested on November 8, as part of the Candidates’ Collective demonstration in Mahamasina, he is accused of having incited the population to an illegal demonstration. He was placed in police custody for around ten days before being released and placed under judicial supervision while awaiting his trial which should take place next Friday.
The lawyers of this parliamentarian arrested during the ordinary session raised an objection of unconstitutionality in this case. They highlight the parliamentary immunity enjoyed by this TIM deputy from the 5th arrondissement of the capital. They also recall the existence of a specific procedure during a parliamentary session for the arrest of a deputy. The court nevertheless decided to hold the trial and only decide on the issue towards the end.
The TIM party has been in the crosshairs of justice and law enforcement for several years. Former President Marc Ravalomanana has repeatedly been the victim of intimidation since making his political comeback, including announcing his candidacy. During the presidential election, he received more than 10% of the votes cast without having carried out any electoral campaign.
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