Madagascar: the trial of the alleged coup attempt opens in Antananarivo

The alleged coup attempt aimed to "eliminate" and "neutralize", according to the Attorney General, several "high political figures" including President Andry Rajoelina.

Mamyrael / AFP

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1 min

On the bench, 21 people including two French and their wives prosecuted for endangering state security, criminal association and conspiracy to assassinate the Malagasy head of state Andry Rajoelina.

Arrested four months ago on July 20, the two men have since been placed under arrest at the Tsiafahy force house, on the outskirts of the capital.

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With our correspondent in Antananarivo,

It is at the Anosy courthouse, in the center of Antananarivo that the Franco-Malagasy Paul Rafanoharana and the French Philippe François must appear. Presumed

, the

aimed at " 

 " and " 

 ", according to the Attorney General, several " 

including President Andry Rajoelina. The two men and their wives deny any involvement in this affair.

Paul Rafanoharana, a former officer of the French gendarmerie and a graduate of the Saint-Cyr military school, was briefly adviser to the current Madagascan head of state in 2011 when the latter was at the head of the High Authority of the transition.

Philippe François, also a former Saint-Cyrien and retired colonel of the French army, notably operated in Chad.

Arrived almost two years ago in Madagascar, he ran an investment company, Tsarafirst, in which Paul Rafanoharana was a partner.

The lawyer for Franco-Malagasy and his wife, Maître Arlette Rafanomadio deplores 

and fears 

►

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• Madagascar

• Justice