Rodrigue Petitot, better known by his stage name, “Le R”, was absent from the mobilization against the high cost of living organized by his association, the RPPRAC on the roundabout in front of the Grand Port of Fort-de-France. Very early in the morning of September 1, 2024, he was arrested by the police and taken into custody.
Hundreds of activists who responded to the call to demonstrate against the high cost of living in Martinique waited under a blazing sun for the arrival of Rodrigue Petitot, better known by his stage name, “Le R”.
This Sunday, September 1, 2024, was the day to show collective discontent with the inexorable rise in prices in mass distribution.
The RPPRAC association, Rally for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources, organizer of the mobilization wanted to send a strong message.
“Consumers in Martinique are at their wit’s end. It’s time to align prices with those in France.”
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©Caroline Popovic
Rodrigue Petitot, president of the RPPRAC, never arrived.
We learned that he has been in custody at the Fort-de-France police station since 4 a.m.
According to reliable police sources, the police had been called for a commando operation.
Police first canvassed the area around the Dillon shopping center, where there was nothing to report.
According to the information received, the police headed towards the Pierre Aliker stadium in Dillon.
It was in a local bus depot that the police discovered that a public transport vehicle “was being stolen by around ten people”.
All of them wore hoods.
Upon arrival, the unidentified individuals reportedly began throwing stones at the officers. All but one were able to escape.
Under a balaclava, the officers discovered Rodrigue Petitot, “The R”. He was taken to the Fort-de-France police station and placed in custody.
Aude Goussard, secretary of the RPPRAC association, categorically denied the police’s account.
The prosecution is expected to announce the charges that could potentially be brought against Rodrigue Petitot.
