Police Kill Protesters in Madagascar

At least 19 people were killed and 21 others injured after police in Madagascar’s south-eastern town of Ikongo opened fire on protesters.

Report says the protesters who were angered by the kidnapping of a child with albinism, were armed with machetes and attempted to force their way into a police station where four kidnapping suspects were being held.

The head of the police, Andry Rakotondrazaka, defended the police’s actions saying they resorted to self defence after trying to avoid the confrontation.

He said that investigation has however been opened.

Meanwhile, those injured in the incident are receiving treatment at the local hospital, the police said.

According to officials, the kidnapped child’s fate is unclear.

People with albinism have been targeted in some African countries because of false beliefs that their body parts can bring luck and wealth.

BBC/CO