On This Day: Thirty-nine fans crushed to death in Heysel disaster, in 1939
On May 29, 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tensing Norgay became the first men to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
rioting
New Caledonia airport to remain closed until at least June 2
New Caledonia’s international airport will remain closed until at least next Sunday due to riots over a contested electoral reform, which have resulted in seven deaths. French President Macron visited the island to ease tensions and has paused the reform, but has not fully met pro-independence parties’ demands. Macron stated that he will not make decisions under pressure from violence and could call a special congress or referendum if a deal is not reached. The protesters fear the reform would dilute the votes of indigenous Kanaks, who make up 40% of the population.
Hundreds more French police start deploying to secure New Caledonia
French police reinforcements arrived in New Caledonia to regain control of the capital after riots resulted in four deaths and hundreds of arrests. The unrest was triggered by anger over an electoral reform, complicating President Macron’s plans to increase French influence in the Pacific. The number of police on the island will increase to 2,700 from 1,700. The government has food stocks for two months but faces distribution issues. Protesters demand the withdrawal of the electoral reform for peaceful talks to resume. France has declared a state of emergency, arrested suspects, and banned TikTok.
‘, Massive’ French police deployment arrives to secure New Caledonia
French police reinforcements have arrived in New Caledonia to regain control of the capital Noumea. The number of police and gendarmes on the island will increase to 2,700 from 1,700. Rioting began on Monday, resulting in four deaths and hundreds of arrests. Operations are underway to supply food and medicine to the public, with road barricades being removed by specialists in mine clearing. France has declared a state of emergency on the island and banned TikTok. The riots erupted over a new electoral reform bill that will allow French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections.
Hundreds arrested, roads barricaded in New Caledonia as riots continue
Fact: Armed forces were protecting New Caledonia’s two airports and port after a third night of violent riots that have killed four people.
Three dead in New Caledonia as riots rage after Paris approves voting change
Three people have been killed in unrest in New Caledonia after France’s National Assembly approved changes to voting rules in the Pacific island.