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Madagascar protests turn deadly | |
(about 5 hours later) | |
A demonstration in Madagascar against the closure of two radio stations has led to fatal clashes between security forces and anti-government protestors. | |
Police and soldiers opened fire on the protestors, who had blocked roads and refused to disperse. | |
Two people died and 13 were wounded as clashes continued into the night, but it was not clear whether the deaths were caused by the gunfire. | |
Protest leaders have called for another demonstration on Tuesday. | |
The protestors support the exiled president, Marc Ravalomanana, who was forced from power in March by his rival, Andry Rajoelina. | |
'Only way' | 'Only way' |
Monday's violence broke out as crowds marched towards a courthouse in the centre of the capital, Antananarivo, protesting at the shutting down of Radio Mada and Radio Fahazavana. | |
Security forces used tear gas to break up the crowds, then opened fire. | |
Mr Ravalomanana said he would return within weeks | Mr Ravalomanana said he would return within weeks |
The BBC's Jonny Hogg in the city saw at least one person shot in the back at close range, and said cars were set on fire close to government buildings. | |
The full casualty figures were expected to rise, our correspondent added. | |
Mr Ravalomanana resigned in March during a coup headed by opposition leader Andry Rajoelina. | Mr Ravalomanana resigned in March during a coup headed by opposition leader Andry Rajoelina. |
Mr Rajoelina has said he intends to hold presidential elections in October 2010 and has issued a warrant for Mr Ravalomanana's arrest. | Mr Rajoelina has said he intends to hold presidential elections in October 2010 and has issued a warrant for Mr Ravalomanana's arrest. |
Earlier on Monday, Mr Ravalomanana said he was not afraid of being arrested and was planning to return to Madagascar in the next few weeks. | Earlier on Monday, Mr Ravalomanana said he was not afraid of being arrested and was planning to return to Madagascar in the next few weeks. |
The former president told a news conference in Johannesburg that having early elections or a referendum before the end of the year was "the only way out of the crisis". | The former president told a news conference in Johannesburg that having early elections or a referendum before the end of the year was "the only way out of the crisis". |
The international community has condemned Mr Rajoelina's action as a coup. | The international community has condemned Mr Rajoelina's action as a coup. |
Madagascar has been suspended from the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc). | Madagascar has been suspended from the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc). |
Mr Ravalomanana said he trusted Sadc and the AU would help him return. |