8 Feb 2009

Protest march turns fatal

8:06 am on 8 February 2009

Police in Madagascar shot and killed at least 23 people during a protest march on a presidential palace in the capital, Antananarivo.

Another 83 people are reported by Agence France Presse to be wounded.

The BBC reports there have been repeated protests against the dismissal of Mayor Andry Rajoelina, who is engaged in a power struggle with the president.

The sacked mayor accuses President Marc Ravalomanana of being a dictator.

At least 68 people died when looting and rioting broke out after a protest in late January.