BIG director: France treats New Caledonia's independence supporters as terrorists

Abbas Abbasov, head of the Baku Initiative Group, condemned France for treating supporters of New Caledonia's independence as terrorists during recent protests.

He made the remarks while speaking at the inaugural congress in Baku, which gathered leaders advocating independence from French neo-colonialism, Caliber.Az reports.

Abbasov highlighted the illegal arrests of independence supporters by French police.

He underscored that some supporters were secretly transported to Paris, where they faced various forms of pressure and torture, including women with young children.

Abbasov pledged comprehensive assistance from the Baku Initiative Group to these individuals and their families, affirming their commitment to supporting those in distress.

The inaugural congress of leaders from more than 15 political parties and movements advocating for independence in regions historically impacted by French colonialism — including Corsica, Melanesia, Polynesia, the Caribbean, and the Antilles — began in Baku on July 17.

Organized by the People's Association for the Liberation of Guadeloupe and supported by the Baku Initiative Group, the congress spans two days and aims to forge unity among participants in their pursuit of independence.