Amnesty International has called on Madagascan authorities to release Marie Jeanne d’Arc Masy Goulamaly, a member of parliament detained on May 31 after protesting alleged voting irregularities during the legislative elections on May 29. The organization claims Goulamaly’s arrest and continued detention are arbitrary and violate her rights to freedom of expression and association. Amnesty International’s statement urges the immediate and unconditional release of Goulamaly, emphasizing that she is detained solely for exercising her human rights.
According to reports, Goulamaly was arrested after incidents in Tsihombe that included fires breaking out at the district office and the Voting Materials Census Section, which resulted in the destruction of numerous voting materials such as ballots. Goulamaly, who is seeking re-election, has been implicated in these events and placed under house arrest in Ambovombe. Local media reported on the circumstances of her arrest.
The president of Madagascar’s House of Representatives raised concerns about her detention, pointing to constitutional protections that shield MPs from prosecution and arrest without the authorization of the National Assembly. In June, a formal letter was sent to Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, emphasizing that Goulamaly’s detention without the assembly’s consent is a breach of these provisions. The president urged the prime minister to ensure her release so she could resume her parliamentary duties, especially during a critical time addressing the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Additional details are available on JURIST.