Former Senate President General Richard Ravalomanana has been sentenced to ten years of hard labor in connection with violence during protests in Antananarivo in September and October 2025. His lawyer, contesting the evidence against his client, announced an appeal to the Supreme Court. Three charges were initially brought against him. The first concerned an alleged death threat against Jean Walker Andriakotomalala, former director of projects and heritage at Sirama. The incident dates back to May 21, 2019, in Brickaville, where the general allegedly stated: "You too, Walker, you are in our sights." This charge was ultimately dismissed. The defense invoked the statute of limitations and requested the extinction of public action, which the court accepted. Andriakotomalala also decided to withdraw his complaint. Proceedings then focused primarily on events in the capital between September 25 and October 11, 2025. Ravalomanana was accused of complicity in murder and voluntary assault related to the suppression of protests. The prosecution alleged he gave instructions to law enforcement to use violence and knowingly facilitated abuses against demonstrators. The case mentioned a person dragged on the ground in Anosibe and others whose hair was allegedly burned by gendarmes. Ravalomanana denied any involvement in these acts. His position was supported by Dany Marius Rakotozanany, former director general of the National Police, who stated the general gave no orders to police, gendarmes, or military personnel mobilized during this period. According to the former DGPN, Ravalomanana was not part of the operational chain of command. Operations were conducted by structures under the authority of the Prime Minister and the national mixed operational staff. The general's lawyer primarily contested the existence of evidence establishing a direct link between his client and the alleged violence. "Is there written or confirmed verbal proof, such as 'I received an order from him', to accuse him?" he asked. The defense argued that no material act or formal order attributable to Ravalomanana could constitute the alleged offenses. The court rejected this argument and found the former Senate president guilty in the 2025 protest case. He must return to Imerintsiatosika high-security prison. The decision does not end proceedings. The defense announced an appeal to the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict before the competent jurisdiction.