Martinique bans protests in 4 communes amid unrest
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Demonstrations have been rising since the beginning of September due to the surging cost of living.
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The municipal police officer at Schœlcher in Martinique, September 22, 2010. (AFP)
Authorities in France's Martinique have banned protests in the port city of Fort-de-France and three other communes until Monday amid unrest, triggered by the rising cost of living.
"The prefect of Martinique today issued an order prohibiting protests and gatherings on public roads and private roads open to public traffic in the municipalities of Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Ducos and Le Robert," the issued decree stated Friday.
A nighttime curfew was imposed in part of Fort-de-France starting Thursday after days of demonstrations against the surging food prices. The port is the entry point for the majority of imports to the French territory.
Violent protests erupt in Martinique amid rising living costs
Reports indicate that at least 14 people, including 11 police officers, have been injured since the beginning of September, some from gunfire, as alarming scenes of burning vehicles and destroyed buildings, with heavily armed riot police moving in, went viral on social media.
The office of the France-appointed prefect, Jean-Christophe Bouvier, announced that the 9 pm to 5 am curfew, lasting until September 23, aims to safeguard the public and businesses and restore order.
Protesters assert they have been compelled to demonstrate due to a lack of response from authorities and businesses regarding their petitions for reduced living costs. French national statistics reveal significant disparities in living expenses, with residents of Martinique facing food prices estimated to be 30% to 42% higher than those in mainland France.
