New unrest in New Caledonia after independence activists flown to France for detention

Protests have resumed in New Caledonia, a South Pacific territory of France, with buildings including a town hall and police station set on fire. The unrest is over plans to extend voting rights to people who have lived in the territory for more than 10 years, which Indigenous Kanaks fear will dilute their vote and make it harder for any future referendum on independence to pass. The protests follow the transfer of seven independence activists to mainland France for pre-trial detention, which has been met with outrage and accusations of "political deportation". This decision has also been criticized by political and legal observers who say it violates rights including the right to respect for family life.