Madagascar police use tear gas against protesters angry at leader’s rejection of int’l accords

Madagascar police use tear gas against protesters

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Security forces have used tear gas to scatter protesters demonstrating against Madagascar’s military-backed leader.

Tuesday’s protest by about 1,000 people outside the parliament building followed Andry Rajoelina’s rejection of international attempts to mediate a political resolution after months of crisis.

Col. Richard Ravalomanana, head of the capital’s police force, says two protesters were wounded and 13 arrested.

Rajoelina’s rivals had called a meeting Tuesday in Antananarivo of politicians they have designated as members of parliament under the international accords. The violence prevented the meeting from going ahead.