The court, in a judgment issued early Saturday, also sentenced Marc Ravalomanana to life in prison at hard labor. Ravalomanana, who is in exile in South Africa, had boycotted the trial that began Thursday.

In February, 2009, soldiers opened fire on anti-government protesters, killing at least 25. The killings cost Ravalomanana military support. He was ousted soon after by Andry Rajoelina.

Ravalomanana's departure has not brought stability.

Rajoelina, who had led sometimes violent protests against Ravalomanana, has been isolated by the international community, which accuses him of seizing power undemocratically.