Shootouts Rock Malden Cities
Citizens shocked as shots keep ringing in Malden cities - death toll keeps rising
Citizens continue to live in fear, as riots and shootouts continue to have a tight grip on the island nation of Malden. These skirmishes, initially small scale and in favor of the Armée de Republique, have steadily escalated and Military Police have seen increasing resistance by the Guérilla Populaire, the paramilitary wing of the opposition party.
In response, Military Police have enacted bans on assemblies and conducted warrentless arrests. These measures, alongside GP victories in the skirmishes, have led to more people joining the GP. While GP leaders broadly condemn the instigation of violence, eye witnesses claim that shootouts have been broadly instigated by local chapters of the GP, with Le Port in particular seeing a lot of combat.
Reports from Chapoi indicate streets where Armée soldiers will be immediately fired upon by local GP members. Meanwhile local hospitals report that the number of injuries and deaths by gun shot wounds has considerably risen.
The open carrying of firearms is forbidden by Malden law but GP leader of Le Port, Jesus Larue, has openly advocated for it’s members to ignore that low in order to stay safe. ‘GP neighborhoods’ have been an increasingly common topic of discussion among citizens.
In a televised address, PrĂ©sident Moulin has harshly condemned the actions of the GP leaders, calling for ‘[…] an end to these mindless atrocities, and the violence that plagues our island.’. A press release by the ArmĂ©e indicated that Military Police is not standing down until the situation calms down and the GP leaders have been arrested. Whether these measures will be effective, remains to be seen.