Madagascar: UN Human Rights Chief shocked by violent response to electricity and water protests
GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday expressed shock at the violent response by security forces to the ongoing protests in Madagascar. At least 22 people have been killed and more than a hundred injured.
The victims include protesters and bystanders killed by members of the security forces, but also others killed in subsequent widespread violence and looting by individuals and gangs not associated with the protesters.
Peaceful protests began in the capital Antananarivo on 25 September, but the security forces intervened with unnecessary force, lobbing teargas and beating and arresting protesters. Some officers also used live ammunition.
