// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Madagascar ex-Senate chief sentenced to hard labour over deadly Gen Z protest crackdown
Richard Ravalomanana was removed as Senate president last October
Madagascar's former Senate president has been sentenced to 10 years of hard labour over his alleged role in the violent crackdown on youth-led protests that helped bring down the previous government last year.
Richard Ravalomanana, a retired general and close ally of former President Andry Rajoelina, was found guilty of complicity in murder by a court in the capital, Antananarivo, on Tuesday.
Prosecutors accused him of giving instructions to security forces to use violence against demonstrators during the so-called Gen Z protests in September and October 2025.
Ravalomanana denied the allegations and said he would appeal against the judgement.
From prison to presidential palace: Who is Madagascar's new military ruler?
The protests began a year ago, initially sparked by anger over persistent power and water shortages, before developing into a broader movement against Rajoelina's government.
At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured during the unrest, according to UN figures cited by local media.
The protests eventually triggered a political crisis that led to Rajoelina's removal from power and the installation of a new administration led by Col Michael Randrianirina.
The crackdown was led by the gendarmerie, where Ravalomanana retained considerable influence at the time.