Comoros President Assoumani's knife attacker found dead in prison: prosecutor

National prosecutor Ali Mohamed Djounaid said investigators found the attacker's 'lifeless body lying on the floor' of a cell on Saturday.

World

1 min read

The New Arab Staff & Agencies

14 September, 2024

Azali Assoumani (pictured) is the president of the Comoros [OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT/AFP/Getty-archive]

A man who attacked Comoros President Azali Assoumani with a knife and injured him slightly has been found dead in prison, the national prosecutor said on Saturday, a day after the incident.

"He was isolated in a cell so that he could calm down yesterday after his arrest. Investigators found his lifeless body lying on the floor this morning. A doctor declared him dead," Ali Mohamed Djounaid told a press conference.

"An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of his death," he added.

Government spokeswoman Fatima Ahamada said on Saturday that 65-year-old Assoumani was at home with his family and "doing very well".

The attack took place during a funeral for a well-known religious leader.

The knife injured the president's hand, but the attacker was stopped by another mourner, witnesses said.