Torched out cars were seen in New Caledonia's capital, Nouméa, amid growing unrest and demands for decolonisation of the Pacific island. Protests and clashes with police started when the French parliament passed a bill expanding voting rights for its citizens residing on the island which France has ruled since the mid-19th century. The Indigenous Kanak people fear the bill will dilute their political influence and separatists believe it will thwart independence aspirations

Source: The Guardian May 22, 2024 04:03 UTC