New Caledonia Independence Supporters Demand Withdrawal of French Police

The independence movement in France's overseas territory of New Caledonia is demanding the withdrawal of 3,500 police officers, gendarmes and soldiers sent by Paris in May to control unrest, the movement's leader, Laurie Humuni, said on Wednesday.

Protests by supporters of New Caledonia's independence from France erupted in May, resulting in ten deaths and causing damage estimated at 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion). 

"Deescalation is impossible if military and police persecutions continue. The only possible solution is political," Humuni was quoted as saying by Le Parisien newspaper during a press conference.

Humuni also called for the resignation of High Commissioner Louis Le Franc and Prosecutor Yves Dupas, calling them "sources of instability." She urged the return of several independence supporters imprisoned in France for allegedly organizing the protests.