Protest Leaders Extradited to France Spark Chaos in New Caledonia
Violence has once again erupted in New Caledonia following the extradition of pro-independence leaders to France. Protesters in the French Pacific territory set police vehicles on fire and blocked roads after activist Christian Tein and six others were flown to France for pre-trial detention.
The unrest resulted in the burning of the town hall in Koumac and destruction in Paita. French loyalist politicians reported a third of local businesses being destroyed and called for the New Caledonia government to be placed under state administration.
‘Astonished’
The turmoil in the semi-autonomous territory began in May after France approved voting reforms. Indigenous Kanak people fear the reforms will dilute their vote on independence referendums. Following the extradition of protest leaders, 3,000 soldiers and police were deployed to restore peace.
The CCAT pro-independence movement, led by Tein, has been accused of sponsoring violence, although Tein denies these allegations. The extradition has shocked many, including the president of the Caledonian Union party, who claims the leaders were only organizing peaceful demonstrations.
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