France sends forbidden anti-riot force to Martinique island amid protests

France has dispatched a contingent of special anti-riot police, previously banned for 65 years, to the Caribbean island of Martinique, where protesters have continued to gather despite government restrictions on demonstrations in certain areas.

The unit arrived over the weekend after the local representative of France’s central government announced that protests were prohibited in the municipalities of Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Ducos, and Le Robert until September 23, alongside the imposition of a curfew, Caliber.Az reports, citing European media.

These measures were enacted after violent protests erupted last week in response to the soaring cost of living, resulting in gunfire that left at least six police officers and one civilian injured. In response, police deployed tear gas, and reports indicate that several shops were looted.

Officials stated that the restrictions aim "to end the violence and damage caused at gatherings, as well as to address the numerous disruptions to daily life and freedom of movement affecting the entire population, especially at weekends."

The elite riot police, known as the Companies for Republican Security, were banned in French territories following violent riots in December 1959. This unit faced accusations of employing excessive force against protesters, resulting in the deaths of several young demonstrators.

Although the force is seldom deployed in the Caribbean territories, it was called upon during the riots and strikes in Guadeloupe in 2009.

Recently, Martinique's leaders requested the deployment of these forces amid ongoing protests, marking a significant shift for the island that has been met with strong opposition from some residents.

Béatrice Bellay, a representative of the socialist party on the island, condemned the decision, asserting: "Martinique is not in a civil war; it is a social war." She advocated for "open and transparent dialogue" between the protesters and the government.

"This measure ... only serves to heighten tensions and divert attention from the legitimate demands of the people of Martinique," she stated in a release.

By Khagan Isayev