In a nation of law, justice delayed is justice denied

I was rather amazed, this week, as I followed the extensive press coverage of the formation of an association of families pleading for the release of their loved ones.
I admire these families’ loyalty, and I understand their concern.
However, they should remember that, for some 26 years, their loved ones allegedly took part in subversive activities which nearly decimated an entire nation.
Where were these select few when the entire Island slowly drifted, and drowned into an ocean of despair, and darkness, relentlessly battered by the powerful cyclone-force winds of greed and corruption?
Where were they when an ego-maniacal tyrant took advantage of the trust vested in him, and abused the fellow citizens he swore to serve and protect, for selfish gains?
Where were they when the world stopped turning for an entire nation of gentle, and peace-loving people?
Yes, indeed, where were they?

I hope that President Ravalomanana promised them swift Justice, not because they pressured him to do so, but because a nation of law demands nothing less, and it is the right thing to do, for the Malagasy people.
I hope he did so, knowing that, in a nation of law, “justice delayed is justice denied”, every accused, no matter how heinous the crime, is entitled to due process, and his fellow citizens will expect nothing less from him.
I hope he understands that if he ever buckles under pressures from these select few, he would be saying to the world that they are still pulling the strings.

I hear now the familiar refrain that Ratsiraka, from the comfort, and luxury of his French sanctuary, is threatening to return to Madagascar, once again.
He would not dare!
His egregious actions, including misappropriation, and gross mismanagement of state funds, have been nothing short of apocalyptic for the Great Island, and he is too much of a coward to come back and face his own accusers.
However, if he insists, and he really wants to keep his infamous promise, I would say, by all means, let him!
Of course, the accommodations may not be up to the standards he is used to, but I am sure he will understand, and he will manage.
He may have to exchange his Rolex watch for a pair of hand-cuffs, and turn in his custom-tailored suit, and shoes for a set of prison blues, and a pair of rubber-soled sandals, but then, he must know that times are rough all over, these days, and I am quite sure he would not even mind sharing a holding cell with a few of his beloved loyal underlings!
Yes, let him come back and join the sympathizers he abandoned.
I am sure they would love to see the face of the admiral who turned tail, and abandoned ship, at the first sign of real trouble, leaving them behind to fend for themselves.
I am sure that they would love to see the wide yellow streak running down their leader’s back.