France Arrests Independence Leader and Seven Others Following Unrest in New Caledonia

In the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, an ongoing police investigation launched May 17 has led to the detention of multiple individuals. According to reports, eight people were detained in Noumea and its Mont-Dore suburbs early in the morning, while another article states that 11 people were taken into custody as part of the same investigation. The detentions are believed to be related to unrest that erupted in the region after France voted to approve reforms allowing thousands more French residents to vote. Indigenous Kanaks fear this change will dilute their vote and make it harder for a future referendum on independence to pass. Christian Tein, leader of the Caledonian Union's Field Action Coordination Cell (CCAT), has been involved in organizing protest barricades across Noumea, which have disrupted traffic, movement, and food supplies. The protests resulted in nine deaths, including two police officers.