FORT DE FRANCE, Martinique, Nov 19, CMC – French Minister of Overseas Territories George Pau-Langevin says the state of emergency declared by President François Hollande following the terrorist attacks in Paris has been extended to the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion Island, and St. Martin and St. Barths.
Hollande declared the state of emergency last weekend after the terrorist group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), claimed responsibility for the Friday night attacks that killed more than 129 people and injured in excess of 350 others.
A statement released by the Ministry of Overseas Territories said that the decision to include the Caribbean countries was justified by the necessity to reinforce security in all territories during the state of emergency that has since been extended by three months.
The emergency measure will give civil authorities – Préfets and Interior Minister- -extra powers to guarantee public security.
Under the state of emergency, law enforcement officials have the power to randomly stop the circulation of persons and install zones of protection and security; to detain suspicious persons and their possessions; to ban meetings or demonstrations; to order searches in houses day or night; to give a compulsory order of residence to any persons whose behaviour or activity is deemed dangerous for security and public order; and lastly to order the submission of weapons and ammunition.
