ANTANANARIVO // A court has convicted Madagascar's ousted president of conspiracy to commit murder in a case related to the turmoil of the coup that toppled him from power. The court, in a judgment issued early today, also sentenced Marc Ravalomanana to life in prison at hard labour. Ravalomanana, who is in exile in South Africa, had boycotted the trial that began on Thursday. In February 2009, soldiers opened fire on anti-government protesters, killing at least 25. The killings cost Ravalomanana military support. He was ousted soon after by Andry Rajoelina.
Ravalomanana's departure has not brought stability. Mr Rajoelina, who had led sometimes violent protests against Ravalomanana, has been isolated by the international community, which accuses him of seizing power undemocratically. * AP
