1.
GV Security around Palace of Justice
0.21

2.
SV Judges arrive (2 shots)
0.37

3.
Sv Mr. Tsiranana arrives
0.54

4.
SV AND GV Security
1.01



Initials NG/1630



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A military tribunal began hearings on Friday (21 March) on a series of charges against 300 people suspected of involvement in last month's uprising against the government.

The defendants include former Head of State Philibert Tsiranana, former deputy Head of Government Andre Resampa and Colonel Brechard Rajanarison who allegedly led an earlier coup.

M. Tsiranana faces eight counts while include charges of involvement in the assassination of the Head of State Colonel Richard Ratsimanorava, forming an illegal army and inciting violence and civil war.

M. Resampa, who is the Secretary-General of the Malagasy Socialist Party, also faces sight charges.

Bloody clashes between loyal troops and rebels broke out last month only six days after Colonel Ratsimanorava took office.

The trial described by the locals as the "trial of the century" is expected to last several days. Tight security precautions were taken or the first day of the hearing.