21 arrested over ‘plot to kill president’

ANTANANARIVO: Madagascar authorities have arrested 21 suspects over an assassination attempt on President Andry Rajoelina, local media reported yesterday.

Berthine Razafiarivony, general attorney of the court of appeal of Antananarivo, said that based on material evidence in the hands of investigators, the main instigators of the plot have been identified, L’Express de Madagascar reported.

The suspects intended to eliminate five Malagasy political figures, including president Rajoelina, she said.

“Several people were involved in this affair,” including five generals from the army and the gendarmerie, Razafiarivony said.