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Madagascar Files National Security Case Amid Demonstrations

Madagascar Files National Security Case Amid Demonstrations

(Bloomberg) -- Madagascar filed a case against supporters of presidential vote runner up Marc Ravalomanana, accusing them of attempting to breach state security and holding an illegal rally as protests escalate in the Indian Ocean island nation.

Prime Minister Christian Ntsay lodged a complaint with a public prosecutor against eight people including Ravalomanana’s lawyer, Hanitra Razafimanantsoa, two presidential candidates and a journalist, according to an emailed statement.

The case comes four days before the constitutional court announces the official results for the Dec. 19 presidential runoff that was won by Andry Rajoelina. Ravalomanana, whose supporters held a rally for a fourth day in the capital, Antananarivo, has asked for a review, alleging the vote was marred by fraud.

To contact the reporters on this story: Aina Rahagalala in Johannesburg at arahagalala@bloomberg.net;Kamlesh Bhuckory in Port Louis at kbhuckory1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Paul Richardson at pmrichardson@bloomberg.net, Helen Nyambura, Hilton Shone

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