In the most recent Amnesty Urgent Action letter, the TRU Students’ Union wrote to President Michael Randrianirina of Madagascar, urging him to ensure that activist Jonathan Malagasy and others injured during the youth-led “Gen Z” protests receive medical care and effective remedies for the human rights violations they suffered. The letter also called for independent and impartial investigations into the unlawful use of force, fair trials for those responsible, and an end to threats and intimidation against people seeking accountability.
“The rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are vital,” said Jessica Guthier, TRUSU Women’s Representative. “We cannot take for granted how crucial it is for people to be able to hold their governments accountable without fear of retribution. Writing this letter is one way we can help defend those rights.”
On October 9, 2025, security forces unlawfully shot Jonathan Rasolofoharimalala, also known as Jonathan Malagasy, with buckshot during a Gen Z protest in Antananarivo. One projectile tore through his right cheek, leaving a permanent scar, while another remains lodged in his shoulder because he has not received the urgent medical care needed to remove it. Jonathan has since faced death threats and warnings of imprisonment for speaking out on social media on behalf of others injured during the protests.
Military authorities seized power in Madagascar in October 2025 following youth-led protests calling for better public services, including access to water and electricity, and more inclusive governance. Despite promising reforms, the new authorities intensified their crackdown on dissent, using a so-called anti-corruption campaign to target young activists, civil society members, and people linked to the previous government. Meanwhile, little effort has been made to investigate members of the security forces responsible for killing and injuring protesters. This lack of accountability, alongside ongoing threats against activists, undermines people’s rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
“Whether in our communities or across the world, it is never acceptable for people seeking accountability from their governments to be met with unlawful force,” said Guthier. “Those harmed deserve medical care and justice, and the freedom to speak out without facing further threats.”
It is our hope that President Randrianirina will take urgent action to ensure medical care for those injured, end the intimidation of activists, and hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable.
We await a response from President Randrianirina on this urgent matter.
For more Information
The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.