Violent protests in Martinique immediate airport closure and curfew

Passengers have been left stranded when the worldwide airport within the Caribbean island of Martinique was compelled to shut by unrest over the price of residing within the French territory.

On Thursday dozens of protesters stormed the runway on the airport within the capital, Fort-de-France, prompting its closure. Inbound flights have been re-directed to close by Guadeloupe, additionally a French territory. The airport reopened on Friday.

A curfew has been imposed till a minimum of Monday following a wave of violent protests.

Authorities have banned public gatherings, in addition to the acquisition of things that could possibly be used for arson assaults.

Protests started in September to demand the alignment of native meals costs with these of mainland France, the place they’re 40% decrease. One protester has been shot useless and 26 cops injured within the unrest.

Curfews have been launched on the island since then, and in late September the French authorities despatched in riot police after protesters ignored bans on public gatherings.

Unrest flared once more on Monday when police tried to dismantle a street block, AFP information company says.

In latest days burning barricades have been erected, companies looted and automobiles set alight in lots of components of the island.

One of many 26 officers injured had bullet wounds, AFP says. A person died in hospital from related wounds on Thursday, following an evening of rioting. An investigation has been launched into his dying.

The native authorities stated police had not opened hearth.

French Abroad Minister François-Noël Buffet condemned the violence and referred to as for “responsibility and calm”.

Residents of France’s abroad territories have lengthy complained concerning the excessive price of residing.

The protests in Martinique have been launched by the Meeting for the Safety of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Sources, which says meals costs ought to be the identical as on mainland France.

On Tuesday Fort-de-France Mayor Didier Laguerre acknowledged that individuals in Martinique – a territory of 350,000 folks – have been struggling: “I understand the suffering and anger.”