Unrest in New Caledonia Escalates After Activists Flown to France for Detention

Fresh unrest has erupted in New Caledonia following the transfer of seven independence activists to mainland France for pre-trial detention. The activists, who are linked to a group accused of organizing deadly riots last month in the territory, were flown 17,000 kilometers away, sparking criticism of their "political deportation." Overnight, buildings in New Caledonia, including a police station and a town hall, were set on fire as the territory experienced a new wave of violence. The decision to send the activists to France has further fueled tensions in the region. The move has been met with backlash from local authorities and residents, who view it as an attempt to suppress the independence movement in New Caledonia. The unrest underscores the deep-seated divisions and unresolved issues in the territory. The situation remains volatile as authorities work to restore calm and address the underlying grievances of the local population.