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 Saturday, September 14, 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 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.