France Deploys Long-Banned Riot Police to Martinique Amid Protests

Thousands defy bans on demonstrations as tensions rise over high cost of living.

France has sent special anti-riot police to Martinique for the first time in 65 years, following a week of violent protests.
Protests erupted over the high cost of living, leading to injuries of six police officers and one civilian, as well as looting of several stores.
The government imposed a curfew and banned protests in several municipalities, but many residents defied these restrictions with peaceful demonstrations.
The elite riot police, known as the Companies for Republican Security, were previously banned from the island after deadly riots in 1959.
Local leaders and critics argue that the deployment of the riot police will escalate tensions and distract from the protesters' legitimate demands.