The riots left more than 50 officers injured and 82 arrested
May 14. () –
The authorities of New Caledonia have imposed a curfew starting this Tuesday night and have banned public gatherings in the capital, Nouméa, a day after riots caused by protests against the constitutional reform that expands the electoral roll. on French territory.
The measure has been approved after groups of protesters took advantage of the protests on Monday to carry out looting and set fire to businesses and stores in the capital. The French High Commissioner in New Caledonia has indicated that “serious damage” has been caused to establishments and has regretted that at least 54 police officers have been injured as a result of the violence.
In total, 82 people have been arrested for their alleged involvement, according to information collected by the newspaper ‘Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes’. “The High Commissioner condemns in the strongest possible way these acts of violence, which constitute a serious attack against the population and private property.”
The Government of New Caledonia, for its part, has called for “calm” and the use of reason, and has asked the population to “demonstrate their sense of responsibility.” However, thousands of people have protested the initiative that, from Paris, would expand the electorate to include French citizens who have been living on the island for more than ten years and would dilute the influence of local communities.
Among the protesters, who have joined the protests called weeks ago by pro-independence groups, are the leaders of the indigenous Kanak population, who oppose the issue being debated in the French Parliament.
The situation has also caused the closure of the airport, although the curfew will not come into force until 6:00 p.m. (local time) this Tuesday, until 6:00 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday.
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