Former Malagasy Senate President General Richard Ravalomanana was sentenced on Tuesday to ten years of forced labor by the Criminal Court in Antananarivo. He was found guilty of complicity in murder and complicity in intentional assault and battery in connection with the crackdown on protests that shook Madagascar in September and October 2025.
The verdict came after nearly six hours of hearings at the Anosy courthouse. A former senior Gendarmerie official, Richard Ravalomanana was prosecuted in particular over his alleged role in managing law enforcement operations during the 2025 protests, which were marked by violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
According to the prosecution, the former official allegedly gave orders and instructions to security forces during the demonstrations. However, the charge relating to death threats was not upheld by the court, as the alleged acts were considered time-barred.
A Prominent Figure of the Former Government Convicted
The conviction comes amid a still-sensitive political climate in Madagascar. The 2025 protests plunged the country into a deep political crisis and weakened the government then in power.
At the time of the events for which he was prosecuted, Richard Ravalomanana was President of the Senate and was considered one of the officials close to former President Andry Rajoelina.
The retired general was removed from the Senate presidency in October 2025 before losing his seat as a senator. He was subsequently arrested in December of the same year and placed in pretrial detention in January 2026 as part of the legal proceedings against him.
A Separate Corruption Case
Richard Ravalomanana is also facing separate proceedings over alleged corruption offences. In a ruling issued on March 3, 2026, the High Constitutional Court confirmed that the alleged corruption offences and related acts fell under the jurisdiction of the Anti-Corruption Court.
The court notably ruled that the alleged offences could be considered separately from the performance of his duties as President of the Senate.
Defense Announces Appeal
Tuesday’s conviction, however, does not mark the end of the legal battle. Richard Ravalomanana’s defense team is challenging the verdict and intends to appeal.
His lawyer, Lazatiana Razafimamonjy, announced that an appeal would be filed against the ruling, opening a new chapter in a case that has fueled debate over the accountability of former public officials for the crackdown on the 2025 protests.
The case could therefore continue to fuel political and judicial tensions in Madagascar in the coming months.
