Curfew extended on French colony of New Caledonia until Nov. 4

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - France extended a curfew in its Indo-Pacific colony of New Caledonia until Nov. 4, its high commissioner said Monday.

The curfew is from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time, according to a statement.

Restrictions on firearms and the transportation of fuel in portable containers have also been extended until Nov. 4 by the French authorities in New Caledonia.

Public gatherings in the capital Noumea and surrounding cities continue to be prohibited until Nov. 4, excluding sporting events.

The ban on the sale and shipment of weapons as well as the sale of alcohol will continue until that date.

The overseas French territory has seen massive riots since May 13 because of an electoral reform to allow long-term French residents to participate in local elections.

A total of 13 people died due to the violent unrest, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency on May 16 and the deployment of the French army.

The controversial bill to review electoral rules would have allowed French nationals who have lived on the island for at least 10 years to vote in local elections.

However, local residents, particularly the indigenous Kanak population, feared that the changes would dilute their voting power.