Protests against the high cost of living on the French Caribbean island of Martinique turned violent late on Wednesday, as at least one person was killed and demonstrators set fire to a police station, cars and road barricades, and clashes with the police also occurred, the Associated Press reported, cited by BTA.
It was one of the most violent nights since the protests began more than a month ago, with the government issuing a statement saying none of the police had used a weapon and that the killing was under investigation.
Videos posted on social media showed protesters ransacking grocery stores and other sites while throwing rocks and bottles at police, who responded with tear gas.
The latest wave of violence prompted the government to announce a new curfew, stressing that demonstrations on public roads are prohibited.
The protests erupted a day before the government scheduled a meeting with citizens to discuss how to achieve affordable prices for basic goods.
On Tuesday, Didier Laguerre, mayor of Fort-de-France, the island's capital, issued a statement announcing Thursday's meeting and saying he recognized that many people in Martinique were struggling and that their demands were legitimate.
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"I understand the pain and the anger,”, he wrote. "I know the impatience of all and the resignation of those who have long since lost hope.
As a result of the ongoing protests, a special French anti-riot police unit was deployed to Martinique.