Madagascar Boeing 777 trial delayed again
The Aviation Civil of Madagascar requested more investigations into the 2025 Boeing 777 shipment to Iran.
The trial concerning the controversial shipment of Boeing 777s to Iran has been postponed again, with no substantive hearings held. The Aviation Civil of Madagascar, a plaintiff, and the prosecution requested further investigations. The case, which began with 38 defendants, may now include up to 51 individuals, and a new court date is set for November 5.
The hearing, delayed by the late arrival of Indian national Khushwinder Singh, saw the ACM lawyers highlight insufficient evidence, including a need for US documents regarding the aircraft transfer to Iran, a country under US sanctions. They also seek a criminal classification of the acts, suggesting a threat to national security. The prosecution noted 13 additional ACM agents identified by Bianco in December 2025 who have not all been questioned.
Lawyers for the defendants protested the repeated delays, which have kept some, including Singh, detained for 13 months without a final judgment. Requests for provisional release for key defendants, including former Transport Minister Valéry Ramonjavelo, were denied by the prosecution due to the charges' gravity. ACM Director General Alban Rakotoarisoa expressed concern about potential international sanctions against Madagascar.
Why it mattersThe trial delay affects 51 potential defendants and prolongs the uncertainty for those detained.