Amnesty International?s selective truth?

Amnesty International?s sudden interest and involvement surprised the Malagasy Organizations who have been working hard at defending Human Rights. It is a known fact that, despite former president Didier Ratsiraka?s abusive acts of violence against the Malagasy civilian population, most particularly the killing of “Kung Fu” martial arts experts in 1984, and the killing of demonstrators in 1991, no substantive report has ever been published on the state of the country?s judicial system, and its prisons. And this, regardless of the fact that quite a few organizations have fought for years to reveal to the international community the dysfunctional judicial system which has plagued the country for the past 27 years. For years, and years, these same organizations have denounced, to no avail, the deplorable conditions within the overpopulated Malagasy prisons.

A consultant stated, “What surprised me the most in this report is how disproportionately the long introduction credits the members of the former regime during the post election crisis. The only thing is, if crimes were committed, the perpetrators must be found.”

Amnesty International?s report thus indicates that it has received “information regarding numerous human rights abuses committed during the crisis by former dictator Didier Ratsiraka?s sympathizers, and security forces, as well as those of President Ravalomanana”. Amnesty International?s report points out the new administration?s willingness to fight against impunity, but denounces a number of failures which still remain within the judicial system. To illustrate its point, Amnesty uses the case of Mr. Venance Raharimanana who made a televised statement regarding the perceived notion of Mahajanga?s independence during the secession attempt; the impartiality of the Malagasy judicial system; and respect for the principle of equality under the law.

According to Amnesty International, “The majority of detained individuals have been able to see their lawyers in prison.” However, Mr. Tantely Andrianarivo, former dictator Didier Ratsiraka?s prime minister, reportedly would not have been able to see his lawyers even though he has been placed under house arrest since May 22, 2002. Nonetheless, during this time period, he has been able to freely talk to the media about his detention, and the “cordial relationship” he has had with the new Prime Minister. It should be noted that this top ranking political figure from the former regime was the only official who has not been able to flee the country after armed forces loyal to President Ravalomanana have reconquered the Island.

In a nutshell, we ask you to read Amnesty International?s report at the web address referenced below. We hope that the Malagasy Judicial System, and the new leadership team will heed the recommendations, and will tread ever so carefully when it comes to the way judicial acts are carried out. We also hope that this report will not be politicized and used in favor of the members of the former regime who still await their day in court.

In conclusion, it should be noted that if such a detailed report has been able to be published on the situation of Human Rights in Madagascar, it is only because organizations, such as Amnesty International, are finally able to freely act, and investigate. That, indeed, is a very good sign…

For an English summary of Amnesty International?s report, please refer to the following website: http://web.amnesty.org/aidoc/aidoc_pdf.nsf/index/AFR350042002FRENCH/$File/AFR3500402.pdf

For further information, please contact Amnesty International?s Press Relations Agency in London at +44 20 7413 5566, or visit: www.amnesty.org