Madagascar police kill protesters

ANTANANARIVO, Macedonia, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- An opposition demonstration in Madagascar ended in violence Saturday when police opened fire on marchers, killing as many as 25, demonstrators said.

The march was in support of Andry Rajoelina, the popular mayor of Antananarivo, the country's capital, The Telegraph of London reported. Rajoelina was dismissed several days ago by President Marc Ravalomanana.

The clash occurred as the marchers headed toward the presidential palace.

"The crowd was walking peacefully, then all of a sudden the military opened fire," said Jocelyn Ratolojanahary, who was being treated at a hospital for an injured hand.

Madagascar, an island nation and former French colony off the east coast of Africa, is home to 20 million people. Rajoelina has harshly criticized the president for ignoring the many residents who live on less than $1 a day.

Ravalomanana, a self-made businessman, was elected in 2006 promising free-market reform.

France says it has troops on stand by on the island of Reunion, about 500 miles away.