Nouvelle-Caledonie 'Yuhyeol State'... Civilian Dies from Police Gunfire

On the 12th day of unrest in New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, one more civilian has died after being shot by police.

The prosecution office in Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, announced on the afternoon of the 24th (local time) that a 48-year-old man died after being shot by police.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

In a statement, the prosecution explained, "The police were attacked by a group of about 15 people while traveling in a vehicle," and "It is presumed that a police officer fired a gun to escape from a physical confrontation."

The prosecution added, "The police officer who fired the gun has been detained, and an investigation into professional negligence resulting in death has begun." They also noted, "Signs of assault were found on the faces of the police officers present at the scene."

In New Caledonia, unrest has occurred since the 13th, mainly involving the indigenous Kanak people, opposing the French government's plan to expand the voter base. So far, a total of seven people have died, including five civilians and two gendarmes.

On the 23rd, French President Emmanuel Macron made an urgent visit to New Caledonia and stated that he would not push forward with the voter expansion plan under the current circumstances and would allow more time until an agreement is reached among the relevant parties.