Unrest racks French Pacific territory of New Caledonia
Al Jazeera
Authorities in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia have announced a two-day curfew and banned gatherings following violent unrest.
The French authorities imposed the curfew in the capital, Noumea, and other areas, closed New Caledonia’s international airport, and sent for police reinforcements after protests by independence campaigners over changes to the territory’s voting system turned to unrest.
New Caledonia’s government called for calm, reporting that 54 members of the security forces had been injured and 82 people had been arrested. No serious civilian injuries were reported.
The authorities also condemned the destruction of property, saying 50 local businesses and about 200 vehicles had been burned.
The violence flared overnight on Monday as French lawmakers in Paris debated voting law changes which would increase the number of people who could cast ballots in New Caledonia. A final vote was scheduled for later on Tuesday.
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