The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Tuesday urged Madagascar authorities to investigate two shootings and two assaults of journalists covering current the political upheaval and protests.

CPJ’s Francophone Africa representative, Moussa Ngom, expressed deep concern over the matter:

It is unacceptable that journalists who were simply reporting on a major news event were targeted by law enforcement agents. Malagasy authorities should investigate the perpetrators of violence against journalists and ensure a safe working environment for the press.

Freelance reporter Harry Teddy was reportedly shot on October 11 during a firefight between military police and CAPSAT soldiers in the capital. Reny Hardy Juvaniàh, a reporter for religious station Radio Fahazavana Diego, was shot roughly two weeks later while covering protests in the northern town of Antsiranana.

Léonard Joseph Andriamparany, a reporter for Real TV Madagasikara, was punched in the face on while filming capital protests and Alan Rakotondraibe, a photojournalist for L’Express, was hit twice on September 25 while attempting to take photographs in the capital. 

Protests across the nation over water and electricity shortages erupted September 25, led by a youth movement known as “Gen Z Madagascar.” Political tensions escalated when CAPSAT, an elite military unit, joined protests, resulting in President Andry Rajoelina fleeing the country. On October 14, the high constitutional court declared the president’s post “vacant” and requested Michael Randrianirina, a member of CAPSAT, to take over as head of state.

The United Nations has condemned the military coup and has called for an immediate restoration of constitutional order.

CPJ’s requests for comment from the military leaders have gone unanswered. Protests have continued, as Gen Z Madagascar has voiced disapproval of Randrianirina naming of businessman Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as prime minister. The youth group has claimed the appointment process lacked transparency and was conducted “without consultation.”