Violence Flares Again as France Detains and Extradites 7 New Caledonian Activists

A surprise decision by France to arrest seven New Caledonian independence activists and remove them to France has sparked another round of violence in the French territory. The activists were suspected of being members of a “Field Action Coordinating Cell” (CCAT) that was set up last year by Union Calédonienne (UC). The UC is one of the more radical parties that formed the loose pro-independence Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS). It has also directed the recent protests against electoral law changes, which saw nine people killed, hundreds wounded, and damages estimated at US$1.6 billion. The activists face charges including complicity in attempted murder, organised theft with a weapon, organised destruction of private property while endangering people, and participation in a criminal group with an intent to plan a crime. Another 38 people have been imprisoned locally....