France imposes emergency in Pacific territory of New Caledonia as violent unrest turns deadly

By JOHN LEICESTER and BARBARA SURK
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — France has imposed a state of emergency in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia. The measures imposed on Wednesday for at least 12 days boost security forces’ powers to quell deadly unrest that has left four people dead, erupting after protests over voting reforms. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said French military forces were also being deployed to protect ports and airports, to free up police and security forces battling looting, arson and other violence. The emergency measures give authorities greater powers to tackle the violence, including the possibility of house detention for people deemed a threat to public order and expanded powers to conduct searches, seize weapons and restrict movements, with possible jail time for violators.