AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL requests the Madagascar authorities must urgently launch impartial investigations into dozens of killings carried out by security forces during more than a year of anti-government protests and bring those responsible to justice.

ANTSIRANANA 100209-1 February 9, 2010

[Diocese of Antsiranana - Indian Ocean] The Madagascar authorities must urgently launch impartial investigations into dozens of killings carried out by security forces during more than a year of anti-government protests and bring those responsible to justice, Amnesty International said in a report released today.

The deadliest incident saw at least 31 people killed and several injured on 7 February 2009 when President Marc Ravalomanana's Presidential Guard opened fire, using live ammunition, on unarmed opposition demonstrators marching on the Presidential Palace in the capital Antananarivo.

"The Malagasy authorities must immediately investigate all cases of suspected unlawful killings by the security forces as well as any use of firearms resulting in deaths or serious injuries. Those responsible for violence against peaceful protesters must face justice," said Erwin van der Borght, Africa Director at Amnesty International.

Human rights violations were reported throughout a year of political unrest in Madagascar sparked by President Marc Ravalomanana's closure in December 2008 of a television station owned by Andry Nirina Rajoelina, at that time the Mayor of Antananarivo.