2024-11-16 09:29:00
An explosion of joy resounded around the Fort-de-France courthouse on Friday 15 November, shortly after 7pm. “Red!” Red! Red! » (“Red! Red! Red!”, in Creole), punctuates the crowd of a thousand people, to the sound of drums and shells, instruments inseparable from the demonstrations in Martinique.
At the end of a hearing that lasted five hours for immediate appearance before the criminal court, Rodrigue Petitot, the leader of the collective against the high cost of living, arrested on Tuesday, was released under judicial supervision. The president of the Grouping for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC), the collective that launched a series of demonstrations at the beginning of September to demand a reduction in food prices in supermarkets, was released the day first, after forty-eight hours in police custody.
Standing on the wall of the building as if on a pedestal, surrounded by his three lawyers, the activist savors his triumph and harangues his sympathizers, dressed in red as a sign of mobilization. “We won this battle and we will win again”he thunders, in Creole, to applaud.
“Ministerial Custody of Convenience”
This court decision will undoubtedly ease, at least temporarily, the tensions that have risen since Mr. Petitot’s arrest. New riots broke out in Fort-de-France on Tuesday evening, after two weeks of calm. During the clashes, three gendarmes were slightly injured and six shops were looted in the island’s capital, hit hard by several nights of violence between September and October.
But the case for which Mr. Petitot appeared has not yet been judged: the president of the court postponed the trial to January 21, 2025, accepting a request made by the activist at the beginning of the hearing. “Since I was released from prison in 2019, I have remained standing”he said on the stand, with his right hand in a splint – the result of an injury suffered in early October, while trying to escape the CRS during a demonstration – and his left arm in a sling, the result of his arrest, in front of his home , in Fort-de-France.
Justice accuses him, among other things, of having raided the prefecture’s residence on Monday evening, “forcing entry with a vehicle”underlined Thomas Lamorelle, president of the court, but also have “violence committed voluntarily” against those who hold public powers, “used to threaten”acts of intimidation and outrage committed against the person of Jean-Christophe Bouvier, prefect of Martinique.
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore pressing issues shaping our world. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Rodrigue Petitot, the leader of the Group for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources. Rodrigue, thank you for joining us.
Rodrigue Petitot: Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here.
Interviewer: You recently faced a very public legal battle that culminated in your release under judicial supervision. Can you share with us the sentiments surrounding your trial and the response from the community?
Rodrigue Petitot: Absolutely. The atmosphere outside the courthouse was electric. When I was released, the crowd erupted in joy, chanting “Red! Red! Red!” It’s a powerful reminder of our resilience. We gathered to support one another, showing that our fight against the high cost of living affects all of us in Martinique.
Interviewer: It sounds like a significant moment for you and your supporters. Can you explain the underlying issues that led to the protests and your organization’s formation?
Rodrigue Petitot: Certainly. Since early September, our collective has been mobilizing against the soaring prices of everyday goods, especially food. It’s a matter of survival for many families. We believe that access to affordable food is a basic human right, and we cannot continue to see our people suffer due to exploitative pricing by supermarkets.
Interviewer: Your movement has resonated deeply within the community. What do you see as the key factors driving the high cost of living in Martinique?
Rodrigue Petitot: There are several factors at play, including the centralization of food distribution, the monopolistic practices of large supermarkets, and economic policies that do not account for the unique challenges faced by our region. The historical context of colonization also plays a role, as it has created economic disparities that persist today.
Interviewer: Your organization has been focused on raising awareness. What strategies have you employed to mobilize support and bring about change?
Rodrigue Petitot: We use a variety of methods, including community meetings, marches, and social media campaigns to educate people about their rights and to garner support for our cause. The recent demonstrations have involved music, culture, and traditions, making our fight not only about economic justice but also about cultural identity and solidarity.
Interviewer: After your recent legal experience, how do you feel about the future of your movement, and what are your next steps?
Rodrigue Petitot: Our fight continues, and I feel a renewed sense of determination after this experience. We will keep advocating for price reductions and accountability from those in power. We plan more demonstrations in the coming months and continue to build partnerships with other organizations to strengthen our impact.
Interviewer: It’s clear that your movement is driven by passion and urgency. What message would you like to share with others who might be facing similar struggles in their regions?
Rodrigue Petitot: I want to encourage everyone facing injustice to stand up and speak out. Change is possible when we unite our voices. Remember, solidarity is our greatest strength. Together, we can challenge economic injustices and create a better future for all.
Interviewer: Thank you, Rodrigue, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. Your passion for your cause is truly inspiring. We look forward to following your journey and the progress of your movement.
Rodrigue Petitot: Thank you for having me. Together, we will continue the fight!