In a joint statement, the Port of Fort-de-France workers’ union and the Martinique dockers’ union are calling for “the immediate release of Mr. Rodrigue Petitot,” the president of the RPPRAC. They say they are ready “to initiate any action” deemed necessary as of Monday, September 2.
The announcement of the arrest of Rodrigue Petitot, known as “Le R”, has been making a lot of noise since this Sunday morning (September 1st). Since 4am, one of the leaders of the mobilization against the high cost of living has been in custody at the Fort-de-France police station.
According to his lawyer, Maître Bellemare, his client is accused of “stealing a bus during a meeting”. According to our information, the Prosecutor is expected to speak tomorrow (Monday, September 2) on this case.
This arrest did not demotivate the demonstrators. Several hundred people gathered at the entrance to Port to denounce the cost of living in Martinique and demand the release of Rodrigue Petitot.
In a joint statement, the Port of Fort-de-France workers’ union and the Martinique dockers’ union also expressed “their opposition to the wrongful arrest” from the president of the RPPRAC.
We protest against this type of colonial practice. We join with all those who aspire to justice and freedom. We demand the immediate release of Mr. Rodrigue Petitot. We remain attentive to the situation.
Press release from the Union of Port Workers of Fort-De-France (STPFF) and the Union of Dockers and Similar Parties of Martinique (SODPM/CGTM)(as of September 1, 2024)
Both organizations say they are ready to “initiate any action [qu’elles jugent] necessary and this from Monday, September 2, 2024″.
