Martinique Protesters Destroy Colonial Statues on Caribbean Island

Cheering protesters tugging on ropes tore down a statue of Napoleon's wife on the Caribbean island of Martinique and another from the French territory's colonial history, adding to a growing list of monuments being ripped down and defaced in spreading global revulsion of racial injustice.

France’s government on Monday condemned the “vandalism.” Prime Minister Jean Castex said, “violence, albeit symbolic, and hatred will never push forward any cause.”

Protesters with sledgehammers first hacked at the stone base of the statue of Empress Josephine, which was already missing its head. As drummers beat out a rhythm, they attached cords to it, brought it crashing down and stamped and jumped on it.

Also brought down Sunday to screams of delight was a statue of Pierre Bélain d’Esnambuc, a French trader who in 1635 established France's first permanent Caribbean colony on Martinique.

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