Rodrigue Petitot Faces Court Again in Fight Against Rising Living Costs – January 22, 2025

Rodrigue Petitot’s trial began amid protests in Fort-de-France, focused on charges of illegally entering the prefect’s residence and intimidation. The leader of the RPPRAC, who has been in custody since December, claims innocence, asserting he did not trespass. Supporters rallied outside the court, highlighting ongoing tensions over rising living costs in Martinique. A deputy testified about the economic struggles faced by residents, while Petitot’s previous conviction for intimidating mayors adds to the controversy surrounding his case.

Trial of Rodrigue Petitot Begins Amid Protests

The trial of Rodrigue Petitot, the prominent leader of the protest movement against soaring living costs in Martinique, commenced on Tuesday at the correctional court in Fort-de-France. This trial follows an incident that escalated into a confrontation with the prefect during a visit to his residence in November.

Mr. Petitot, who heads the Gathering for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC) and initiated the protests that began last September, is accused by the prosecution of illegally entering the prefect’s residence on November 11, coinciding with a ministerial visit. Additionally, he faces charges of making ‘threats and acts of intimidation’ towards the state representative.

From the stand, Mr. Petitot asserted, “They want to imprison the symbol of the high cost of living… Everything is being done to stifle the genuine struggle.” He has been in custody since December 5 and maintains his innocence regarding the trespassing allegations, stating, “I do not acknowledge being guilty of trespassing. I arrived, the gate was open.” Surveillance footage and various videos presented during the hearing appeared to support his claim.

Community Response and Ongoing Tensions

In November, alongside three fellow activists, Mr. Petitot, affectionately known as ‘Le R’ by his supporters, sought a meeting with then Minister for Overseas Territories, Jean-Noël Buffet, during his four-day visit to Martinique. This was after a series of riots and heightened tensions due to rising food costs on the island. However, the prefect declined to engage with the RPPRAC’s request following a confrontational exchange.

As the trial unfolded, a sizable group of protesters gathered outside the court, voicing their support for Mr. Petitot. In the evening, around a thousand individuals participated in a peaceful demonstration, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of drums. To ensure safety, law enforcement had cordoned off two streets near the courthouse. The trial is projected to continue until Wednesday.

During the proceedings, Jiovanny William, a deputy representing the 1st constituency of Martinique, testified on behalf of the defense, highlighting the ‘scourge’ of high living costs, which he described as a source of ‘economic’ and ‘social discrimination’ in the overseas territories. He stressed that the circumstances warranted at least a meeting between the minister and the activists.

Christiane, a 69-year-old retiree from Rivière-Pilote, passionately expressed her views during a break in the hearing, stating, “What they are doing to +R+ is an injustice. Life is very expensive.” She indicated her plans to return for further protests outside the court on Wednesday.

The court president, Thomas Lamorelle, announced that the trial for the three other activists who accompanied Mr. Petitot while filming the encounter for social media will be postponed until March 31.

In a related matter, Rodrigue Petitot was previously convicted in early December for intimidating local mayors, resulting in a ten-month prison sentence, which may be subject to adjustments. The rising tensions in Martinique, where food prices reportedly exceed mainland France by an average of 40%, have sparked numerous riots in recent months.

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