What we know about the arrest of Rodrigue Petitot, a figure in the mobilization against the high cost of living in Martinique

Rodrigue Petitot, leading figure of the mobilizations in Martinique, was present on Sunday in Paris alongside thousands of people to demonstrate against the high cost of living in the Antilles and in solidarity with Kanaky-New Caledonia. Two days later, the man called “the R” was taken into custody on Tuesday, November 12, at the central police station of the capital of the island, in Fort-de-France, the Agency learned. France Presse du parquet.

This arrest of the man at the head of the Rally for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC) is a shame for the secretary of this citizen collective, Aude Goussard. “We are waiting for the R to be released. I fear this evening a new night of disturbances which will be the responsibility of the prefect and the minister”she assured, on the microphone of local radio RCI.

Following the arrest of the activist, who enjoys great popularity, anger was expressed in different ways. Around a hundred people gathered in front of the Fort-de-France police station to demand his release, a journalist from Agence France Presse noted on Tuesday around 8:30 p.m.

In addition, according to the Régie des Transports de Martinique, a fiery roadblock was erected on Avenue Maurice Bishop in the Sainte-Thérèse district, where the activist claimed to reside. The authority has suspended public transport in the center of the island.

The objective was to obtain an interview with the minister

The day before his arrest, Rodrigue Petitot entered the prefectural residence in the upscale Didier district of Fort-de-France with three other people. An intrusion whose objective was to obtain an interview with the Minister of Overseas Territories, François-Noël Buffet, who arrived Monday, November 11 in the evening for a four-day visit. He claimed to be “willing to meet everyone” on the island, including the leaders of the RPPRAC.

The prefect of Martinique, Jean-Pierre Bouvier, himself physically opposed the entry of the president of the RPPRAC into the residence. He denounced the attitude of the leaders of the collective which he judges “unacceptable, unimaginable, intolerable”. Following these events, a complaint for home invasion and acts of intimidation against people exercising a public function was filed against Rodrigue Petitot, according to the prosecution.

Food prices are 40% more expensive in Martinique

For his part, the activist who has driven the mobilization against the high cost of living which has gripped the island since the beginning of September, is currently still in police custody. The one who currently works as a crane operator is well known for his “ punchlines » proclaimed during the demonstrations. Although he was convicted in particular for drug trafficking, his past has often been exploited by his political enemies and certain media. From now on, he assured, in our columns, his « premier combat » is to try to dissuade young people from falling into the same “traps”.

In the meantime, in Martinique, the population continues to suffer extremely difficult living conditions. Food prices are 40% more expensive than in France. The island suffered high inflation of 3.2% between June 2023 and June 2024. As a result, the mobilized residents are determined to demand price equality. Whatever it takes.