An estimated 2,000 people have joined a march in French Polynesia to mark the 53rd anniversary of France's first atomic weapons test in the Pacific.
The test was the first of 193 which were carried out over three decades until 1996.
A demonstration in French Polynesia to mark the 53rd anniversary of France's first atomic weapons test in the Pacific. Photo: Facebook/ Association 193
The march, which was called by test veterans' groups and the Maohi Protestant church, is also to highlight the test victims' difficulties in getting compensation for ill health.
After changes to the French compensation law, the organisation Moruroa e tatou wants it to be scrapped as it now compensates no-one.
The Association 193 said it was withdrawing from the project of the French state and the French Polynesian government to build a memorial site in Papeete, saying it will only serve as propaganda.
Apart from reparations for the victims, the organisation want studies to be carried out into the genetic impact of radiation exposure.
Their representatives are expected to be met at the French High Commission.
Photo: Facebook/ Association 193
