The Ministry of Justice, through its Communication Department, issued an official statement yesterday, October 14, 2026, regarding the investigation into the transfer of eleven detainees from Avaradrano prison to Antanimora. According to the report, the detainees were released clandestinely without the knowledge of higher authorities and without any official written authorization.
The investigation revealed two separate incidents. The first occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026, when five detainees admitted at 7:10 PM were released at 8:00 PM, just 50 minutes later. The second incident took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, when six other detainees admitted at 9:38 AM were released at 10:10 AM, only 32 minutes later.
According to the ministry’s findings, the prison officer serving as ‘post chief’ allegedly facilitated these releases. The statement also mentions the suspected complicity of certain members of the Malagasy Prison Administration Staff Union (SPFM), including the union’s secretary-general. The latter had previously denied union responsibility, claiming the acts were carried out under orders from higher authorities.
The Ministry of Justice emphasized that ‘the fault of an individual should not implicate the entire union,’ while clarifying that there is no tolerance for injustice within the professional environment.
The statement also urged the union president not to shield those who broke the law. As the case is now in the hands of the judiciary, it will determine individual responsibilities in accordance with the directives of the President of the Republic, Colonel Michaël Andrianirina, to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-15 05:39:00 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/prison-davaradrano-la-justice-enquete.html