Protest ban lifted in New Caledonia nearly a year after deadly riots
The administrative court of New Caledonia on Thursday ruled against a decree that still banned public gatherings in several municipalities.
The bans were introduced on 15 May 2024, when a state of emergency was declared in response to unrest over proposed voting reforms.
Although the state of emergency ended on 28 May last year, restrictions in some towns continued. These included a night-time curfew and limits on gatherings, transport, and the sale of alcohol and weapons.
The League of Human Rights (LDH) challenged the decree earlier this week. The case targeted a ban covering the capital Nouméa, as well as Dumbéa, Paita and Mont-Dore, which was due to remain in place until 30 April.
The court said the ban should be lifted while it considers whether to cancel it entirely.
"It has now been 11 months that the residents, associations, and unions of New Caledonia have been prevented from exercising an essential right – the right to protest – for reasons that are no longer justified by the local situation," Marion Ogier, a lawyer with LDH, told the AFP news agency.
"The decision is reassuring because it reminds us of one essential thing: New Caledonia is not a territory outside the rule of law."
The High Commissioner's office declined to comment but said it would not appeal the verdict.
Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:New Caledonia government falls, headache for Manuel VallsFrench minister Valls pushes for deal on New Caledonia's futureNew Caledonia separatists in Paris court over alleged role in deadly riots
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