The Island’s courts have been closed since December 9, following the death of a magistrate who was a victim of police violence in Tulear in the south-west. This death is still the subject of many writings. The deputy prosecutor had been forcibly taken in by police, who questioned the imprisonment of one of their colleagues accused of collusion with local bandits. His death in unclear circumstances has angered the country's judges who are on strike since Tuesday, December 27. Five defendants are in custody, but the lawyers continue to demand for the departure of the Minister of Internal Security. Commissioners in charge of Tulear and the regional police were put in custody last week but the judge’s union is still calling for the resignation of the Minister of Internal Security, who is head of the police force. They are also asking for assurances of measures taken to protect them.
The union’s president, Marius Arnaud Auguste is still waiting for a response: "We hoped that the state would make decisions, but until now, no apparent gesture of appeasement has been made. There is no guaranty with respect to our security. What guaranty do we have that in the future other police officers or other people will not try to kill or attack us? "
These judges are still demanding for the departure of the Minister of Internal Security, but as yet no decision has been made by the executive.
"This is also about conflict between the leaders especially between the President of the HAT (High Transition Authority) and the Prime Minister who right from the beginning to the present have been passing the ball backwards and forwards. We are thus sceptical about the possibility of them making a decision about the matter. "
They plan to hold meetings on a national level to discuss the role and responsibilities of all stakeholders in this case. This roundtable meeting is expected to take place at the end of the month.