Faced with the start of controversy on social networks, the prefect of Martinique apologized and withdrew an illustration published the day before to illustrate physical distancing. The image shows two figures, one black and one white, one meter apart, this distance being symbolized by five pineapples. 

The prefect of Martinique apologized and withdrew Saturday an illustration published the day before on social networks to illustrate physical distancing, in the context of the epidemic of coronavirus, described as "shame" by Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

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A start of controversy on social networks

Faced with the start of controversy on social networks, the services of the new prefect Stanislas Cazelles, ex-adviser at the Elysee for the Overseas appointed in February, have withdrawn the illustration. "We apologize if it could have struck some of you. The only objective was to show the importance of distancing in the face of the epidemic," wrote the prefect's communications department on his Twitter account. 

We have just removed the illustration published yesterday concerning physical distancing. We apologize if it may have hit some of you. The sole objective was to show the importance of distancing from the epidemic. Good cdt. Communication Department.

- Prefect of Martinique (@ Prefet972) May 23, 2020

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Indignant reactions from rebellious France

"The prefect addresses the inhabitants of Martinique and the state publishes this poster? Macronie is this shame too", tweeted Saturday morning the leader of La France rebellious Jean-Luc Mélenchon. "Shameful message from the prefect of Martinique. In 2020, still insulting and racist images!", Also criticized on Twitter the green MEP Karima Delli, while the LFI deputy Eric Coquerel castigated "racism and colonialism". "After the" kwassa-kwassa "of Macron, his ex-advisor, prefect of #Martinique made in neo-colonialism.

The prefect addresses the inhabitants of Martinique and the state publishes this poster? Macronia is this shame too. pic.twitter.com/L1PELXAgnY

- Jean-Luc Mélenchon (@JLMelenchon) May 23, 2020

Apologies were made and the poster removed was the minimum. But it is all the bodies of the State which must be cleaned up of these nauseating representations ", reacted the deputy LFI Mathilde Panot.