France declared a state of emergency on the Pacific island of New Caledonia this Wednesday (15), after three young indigenous Kanak people and a police officer were killed in riots over electoral reform.
The state of emergency will give authorities additional powers to ban gatherings and ban people from moving around the French-ruled island.
Five hundred police officers were sent to the territory to reinforce current forces – after protesters set fire to vehicles and businesses and looted stores. Schools have been closed and there is already a curfew in the capital.
Riots broke out over a new bill, adopted by lawmakers in Paris on Tuesday, that would allow French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections – a move some local leaders fear. that dilutes the Kanak vote.
The state of emergency will last 12 days, according to the government spokesperson.
Source: CNN Brasil
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