The French authorities deployed anti-riot police, the Republican Safety Firms (CRS) 8, to Martinique on Sunday in response to ongoing protests towards the rising value of dwelling on the French Caribbean island.
The deployment marks the primary time CRS models have been despatched to Martinique since their ban in December 1959, following violent protests in Fort-de-France that drew widespread criticism for heavy-handed police intervention. CRS 8, established in July 2021, is designed “to be concerned in city violence and high-intensity legislation enforcement operations,” in accordance with France’s Ministry of the Inside.
Since early September 2024, demonstrations have begun across the island over the rising value of dwelling. Based on the French statistical company, l’Institut nationwide de la statistique et des études économiques, client costs in Martinique have been roughly 14 p.c higher than in mainland France as of 2022. The discontent has spilled over to close by Guadeloupe, the place demonstrations have additionally been reported.
In response, the French authorities imposed a night curfew on Thursday represented by the Prefect of Martinique. The federal government’s assertion additionally documented that 27 individuals had been arrested for the reason that demonstrations started. Authorities have additionally set up a number of roadblocks to handle motion round protests websites, whereas a number of gunshots have been fired at police throughout the unrest.
The prefect issued an order banning demonstrations in Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Ducos and Le Robert starting on Friday till Monday. In a press launch on Saturday, the prefect promised to proceed addressing the island’s value of dwelling disaster whereas additionally asking for peace amongst the neighborhood.
On Monday, the prefect announceed a “main safety operation was deployed on Saturday and Sunday,” which doubtless referenced to the deployment of CRS 8 along with an effort to make use of “inner safety forces.” A press convention is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 AM to supply additional updates on the state of affairs.
Source / Picture: jurist.org
