CALL FOR THE RELEASE OF THE 9 INHABITANTS CURRENTLY IN TEMPORARY DETENTION WHO OPPOSE THE TOLIARA BASE ILMENITE EXPLOITATION PROJECT

We have learned that the Tribunal’s hearing on the release of the 9 inhabitants arrested on May, 2nd has been postponed until Friday, May 31st. However, since the beginning of their custody in Fianarantsoa on the decision of the Prosecutor’s Office on May 9th, many of these detainees, who are far from their families and their region, are plagued by serious health problems that are likely to be aggravated by their conditions of detention.

In order to ensure the protection and respect of their fundamental rights to health and life, we appeal to the competent authorities for their release request to be accepted. As such, they will be able to treat themselves and prepare their defense under the right conditions because these citizens have only defended their rights over their ancestral lands and their livelihoods.

May, 19th 2019

The Collective for the defence of Malagasy lands - TANY