The impunity issue is back again

More than ever, the Malagasy political opposition is taking advantage of the inefficiency of the Judicial process to openly denounce the new leadership. For the past few days, just one month prior to the general elections, the word most often used is “refusal”. The opposition says, “No” to the general elections as long as the current situation persists. Meanwhile the relatives of the individuals who have been incarcerated, following the latest crisis, persistently continue to petition for clemency. Theoretically, the granting of such a request troubles the political entities within President Ravalomanana?s inner circle, eventhough for the past few weeks, vindication no longer seems to be a major concern for the head of state. Obviously, he has completely given the Department of Justice carte blanche to decide the fate of the former leaders who, directly or indirectly, have taken part in destabilizing the Great Island.

The arrests, despite vehement protests from the relatives of individuals who are already in custody, continue. Meanwhile, those who had conducted themselves with integrity, and honor are being rewarded. For example, the ten peace restoration military elements involved in the arrest of Colonel Coutiti are being rewarded as planned. Lieutenant Colonel Coutiti, you may recall, has a reward placed on his head. This week, Colonel Balbine?s arrest, in the Comoro Islands, was the talk of the town. During the Malagasy crisis, Colonel Balbine commanded the second military regiment of Antsiranana, at the Northernmost end of the Island. This regiment, along with Lieutenant Colonel Coutiti, terrorized the North through various acts. Subsequently, the defense agency classified Colonel Balbine as a rebel officer. After an international warrant for his arrest was issued, the Comorian authorities took him into custody.

Undoubtedly, it required a lot of time to get things into place. Naturally, this situation gives the opposition the opportunity to criticize the new leadership at will. The indignation of the association of relatives of those in custody, has, thus, only just begun. This association currently involves 500 individuals arrested following the political crisis. At the same time, however, their resentment is turning into public indignation when it is learnt that a Mr. Augustin Portos was able to go to Algeria to flee the Malagasy Justice. The idea of a general amnesty, for now, is rejected by the majority. Former president Didier Ratsiraka?s case continues to fuel many debates.