6 Aug 2012

Mare marks anniversary of fatal New Caledonia clashes

2:41 pm on 6 August 2012

New Caledonia's Mare island today marks the first anniversary of the clashes near the airport during which four people were shot dead.

Ceremonies have been scheduled to remember the victims of the fight between a group blockading the airport and a crowd of about 300 people unsuccessfully trying to dislodge it.

Another 30 people were wounded in a shoot-out while cars were burnt and shops destroyed, prompting the French authorities to send 140 police and soldiers to restore calm.

A year on, there have been no final convictions but 17 people have been in court for a range of offences.

A ruling is expected later this month in the case of those accused of causing material damage.