Madagascar suspends Boeing 777 trial for new probe
The anti-corruption court suspended the trial of 38 people linked to the transfer of five Boeing 777s to Iran, sending it back for further investigation.
The trial concerning five Boeing 777 aircraft sent to Iran has been suspended by Madagascar's Anti-Corruption Pole (PAC) without a new date. The case returns to the investigative stage at the request of the prosecution, which deems further investigations necessary. This decision prolongs the uncertainty for the 38 individuals prosecuted.
The dean of investigative judges will resume investigations, examining new elements including complaints from the new management of the Civil Aviation of Madagascar (ACM), reports from the Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (Bianco), and technical expertise from American specialists. These documents aim to clarify responsibilities in the administrative authorizations granted for the aircraft transfer.
The case, which erupted in July 2025, also faces a potential reclassification of offenses to criminal infractions, which would significantly alter the procedure. Former Transport Minister Valéry Ramonjavelo and former Senate President General Richard Ravalomanana are among those implicated in the affair.
Why it mattersThe trial suspension affects 38 individuals, including former high-ranking officials, and potentially alters the legal classification of the offenses related to the transfer of five Boeing 777 aircraft to Iran.