New Caledonia Erupts in Protests Over Activist Extraditions to France

New Caledonia has been engulfed in a wave of violent protests following the extradition of seven pro-independence activists to France.

The activists, who are being held for their alleged involvement in orchestrating riots against a voting reform bill, have sparked widespread unrest across the French Pacific territory. Protesters have set fire to buildings, including a police station and a town hall, and have also burned police vehicles and erected roadblocks. The extradition of these protest leaders to France for pre-trial detention has intensified the situation, leading to a resurgence of violent demonstrations.

The unrest underscores the deep-seated tensions between pro-independence factions and the French government over the future status of New Caledonia.