February 07th’s case: poor preparation, trial postponed

The trial of the February 07th case over before June 2th6, the HAT Justice minister failed from reaching her goal. Christine Razanamahasoa’s involvement in the process reveals the political stake. Against all odds, the HATJustice ministry successfully enforced a trial date although the defense had previously lodged an appeal against the general attorney’s led indictement. Marc Ravalomanana’s lawyer, equally part of the 19 charged people, denounced the irregularity for believing the supreme court’s decision to be paramount. 
 
Outside the court room, Me Hanitra Razafimanantsoa denounced the trial’s poor and corrupted nature. « The defense has not been given the opportunity to address the file’s significant contents « , she underlined.   Only five charged suspects joined the court. According to Marc Ravalomanana’s lawyer, this low rate is reflecting the trial’s poor preparation, as many suspects are either in custody or under house arrest.  
 
Plaintiffs consequently also wanted the trial to be postponed. Victims or their families are, on the other hand, requiring a more significant state involvement in the case. The proceedings are anyway addressing the compensations for damages. Andry Rajoelina’s HAT granted some 200 000 ariary per month to victims until the end of the transitional period. Expectations for a better jackpot over a longer period are allowed.  
 
On the political plan, the Rajoelina mobility’s politicians are keen on drawing money from president Marc Ravalomanana for the victims of February 07th. Even with a judgment by in default, the most important goal would remain the seizure of goods and/or bank accounts. Defense lawyers appeared stunned when noticing that neither Andry Rajoelina, nor Monja Roindefo, the primary responsibles of the attempted raid on the presidential palace are mentioned in the file, even not as witnesses. 
 
The former Prime minister Charles Rabemananjara was convened him by the court. « I am a witness for neither sides but a simple witness, telling the truth is part of a former Prime minister’s duty », he has declared. Booed by victims’ families as well as by some of Marc Ravalomanana’s supporters blaming him for « betrayal », he enjoyed a delicate quarter before reaching his car. « My wish is the resumption and completion of talks between Malagasy, together we must manage the conflict », declared Charles Rabemananjara. The trial of the February 07th’s case is a potential ticking bomb.