Two Malagasy journalists freed from police custody

Malagasy journalists Lalatiana Rakotondrazafy and Fidèle Razarapiera have been released from police custody.

Ms Rakotondrazafy and Mr Razarapiera, both staff of Free FM radio, were released Thursday evening after being confined for 24 hours at an Antananarivo police station over work-related accusations.

Hundreds of their listeners were on hand to welcome and escort them back to their work station.

There were also reports of celebration of the journalists' release in the provinces.

Their lawyer, Mr Andry Fiankinana Randrianasolo, attributed the return of Ms Rakotondrazafy and Mr Razarapiera to freedom to the application of the law.

Malagasy media law allows any journalists prone to work-related accusations to lodge a complaint about the accuser.

Ms Rakotondrazafy and Mr Razarapiera had asked the Independent Bureau Against Corruption (BIANCO) -- now headed by a close ally of President Andry Rajoelina -- to investigate corruptions allegations against billionaire Mamy Ravatomanga, their accuser, who is also close to the Malagasy leader.

We provided all the necessary evidence, only to be detained in a cell, claimed Ms Rakotondrazafy.

Any further action against us should be informed by the findings of BIANCO, she added.

Ms Rakotondrazafy also demanded the unconditional resignation of Mr Harry Laurent Rahajasoa, the minister for Communication and former senior journalist.

The Madagascar journalists’ union (SJM) also criticised the minister who Thursday issued a notice warning the Free FM station employees.

Organisations like Madagascar’s club of senior journalists and Reporters Without Borders twice issued statements on the Madagascar media environment during the celebration of the World Press Freedom Day.

Even the diplomatic circles in Antananarivo expressed concern about the detention of the two journalists.

They, however, commended the way the police interrogated and detained them.