An estimated 20,000 people joined a rally in the New Caledonian capital of Noumea on Wednesday to denounce the recent violence which had caused disruptions in mainly Noumea and left scores of police injured, New Zealand media reported.

The march was supported by employers, anti-independence parties and unions, Radio New Zealand International reported.

The march followed nearly daily clashes earlier this month when French riot police and supporters of the USTKE union skirmished amid a labour dispute at a local airline and a union campaign for the release of its jailed leader, Gerard Jodar.

The march came as the USTKE union, along with some pro-independence politicians and the Rheebu Nuu environmental organization, has announced a day of action on Aug. 22 in part to denounce what it says is a disproportionate police repression, the radio said.

Source: Xinhua