NEW Caledonia was once again a scene of violent protests triggered by the extradition of a pro-independence leader and six other Kanak activists to France.
The jailed activists were flown to mainland France on Saturday for pre-trial detention over alleged role in orchestrating riots against a controversial voting reform bill last month.
The Indigenous Kanak people feared the proposed measure would leave them in a permanent minority and possibly remove their participation in future elections.
The widespread protests last month led to shootings, arson, looting, and other violence which resulted in the death of nine people.
New Caledonia’s prosecutor, Yves Dupas, explained that the transfer of custody of the seven activists from the French territory to the mainland was done due to the sensitivity of the procedure and will allow the investigation to continue without any pressure.
However, extradition of the activists thousands of miles away from their homeland sparked a new wave of violence and widespread unrest in the French territory.
Protesters set fire to the town hall and vehicles owned by private citizens and the municipal police.
Many schools were also closed on Monday morning due to the renewed tensions.
The Kanak people have long sought independence from France after the European nation colonized New Caledonia in 1853.
