French authorities have taken emergency steps in New Caledonia after violent protests over Paris' vote amendments became violent earlier this week. A state of emergency allows French authorities to arrest threats to public order, search, seize firearms, and limit mobility, with potential imprisonment for violators.
France last imposed similar sanctions on New Caledonia in 1985. According to Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, the state of emergency will enable the French government "to deploy significant resources" to handle violence and "restore order."
French Prime Minister Attal ordered troops to guard ports and the international airport, and the New Caledonian government representative banned social media platform TikTok. International flights have also departed the airport, according to France 24.
Deadly Protests in New Caledonia
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the state of emergency hours after a French gendarme, critically injured during the New Caledonia riots, died, raising the death toll to four.
The gendarme's killing followed two nights of violence as protestors opposed a constitutional revision considered in the French national legislature to widen the territory's provincial election electorate.
The agitation increased after French lawmakers granted mainland French citizens voting rights in provincial elections, which was criticized for marginalizing Indigenous people and favoring pro-France politicians. Authorities tightened security, and curfew, banned public meetings, and shuttered the main airport after the unrest.
Since the disturbance began on Monday, French officials in New Caledonia have reported over 130 arrests and over 300 injuries, as well as looting and destruction of shops, public property, and schools. The main airport suspends classes and commercial flights until further notice.
Since 1853, New Caledonia has been a French territory, becoming a penal colony in the second part of the 19th century. Many indigenous Kanak people have fought for independence, as per a Gizmodo report.
France's discovery of nickel in New Caledonia in 1864 made the territory profitable, given the metal's importance in manufacturing electric vehicles. New Caledonia, the third-largest nickel exporter in the world, shows why France maintained its colonial interests. Moreover, its strategic location near China, 750 miles east of Australia, fuels France's unwillingness to give up control.
US TikTok Ban Challenged by Content Creators
Separately, the US government's move to ban TikTok prompted several content creators to challenge the measure in court. These producers claim that TikTok is a unique social media platform for personal expression and a major source of funds.
TechTimes earlier reported that eight online content creators are challenging the recently passed legislation, emphasizing TikTok's recommendation system, green screen, and duet possibilities. They say these elements give the platform a distinct culture and personality.
The producers also argue that a change in TikTok ownership might disrupt the user experience, citing Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now X. They have noted their lesser Facebook and Instagram followings than TikTok.
The Federal Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., the only court with jurisdiction over forced ByteDance divestiture, received the complaint. TikTok and its founders want the court to declare the rule illegal and stop its enforcement, taking into account First Amendment issues.
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