Attempt to arrest Ravalomanana’s son shameful Harassment of President Ravalomanana’s family in Madagascar alarming for citizens

Attempt to arrest Ravalomanana’s son shameful
Harassment of President Ravalomanana’s family in Madagascar alarming for
citizens
Tentative honteuse d'arrestation du fils de M RAVALOMANANA
29 November 2011 - Tojo Ravalomanana, son of exiled President Marc Ravalomanana returned to
Madagascar Sunday with his wife Claudia and close friend, John Ferry. They arrived safely in
Antananarivo, greeted by a friendly crowd and some media, to visit family and friends they haven’t
seen for nearly three years.
But Tojo’s presence soon resulted in his attempted arrest by armed forces. Police had visited the
Ravalomanana family residence Monday afternoon. Failing to find him there, the police had beaten
up security guards on the premises after serving a notice that Tojo should report to the police
station Tuesday morning.
Tojo did not stay at the family residence Monday night and therefore did not receive the notice. His
whereabouts are currently unknown.
According to media reports in Madagascar today, head of the Gendarmerie in Antananarivo,
General Ravalomanana, supported by the Minister of Justice and the President of the Transition
Andry Rajoelina, had also identified John as a mercenary – allegedly because he was wearing a cap
and sunglasses to protect him from the Madagascan sun.
John, a Harvard colleague of Tojo and close family friend, is an American citizen living in South
Africa for the past few years. He has active investment interests inside Madagascar and represents a
number of US investment groups eager to invest in the country once the political situation is
resolved.
The Ravalomanana family is disturbed by the transitional regime’s harassment of citizens lawfully
and rightfully allowed to be in Madagascar, citing intimidation tactics as yet another ploy to derail
the return of the country to political stability.
Ends
Media queries may be directed to:
Patrick Gearing