15-Month Prison Sentence Sought for Martinique Activist Rodrigue Petitot

Rodrigue Petitot, leader of the anti-cost-of-living movement in Martinique, faces charges of threats and intimidation after an incident at the prefect's residence.

Prosecutors have requested a 30-month prison sentence for Petitot, including 15 months of probation, along with a two-year probationary period and continued detention.
Petitot is accused of entering the prefect's residence without authorization and verbally confronting the prefect during a November 2024 visit by the Minister for Overseas Territories.
The incident occurred in the context of widespread protests and unrest over high food prices in Martinique, where costs are 40% higher than mainland France.
Petitot denies the charges, claiming the residence gate was open, and surveillance footage reportedly supports his claim of no forced entry.
Hundreds of supporters have gathered outside the Fort-de-France courthouse, framing the trial as an attempt to suppress social activism against economic inequality.