The French government has banned aerial photography and filming of almost 250 sites, including military zones in French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
50 years after the first nuclear test, and 20 years after the last. The French Polynesia atoll of Mururoa is still largely a no-go zone. Photo: AFP
The decree, which is aimed at blocking drones, applies to strictly defined areas around sensitive sites, such as army establishments, nuclear power plants, prisons and the space station in French Guiana.
It was signed by several key ministers, including those responsible for the army, justice, finance and internal affairs.
The ban covers five military establishments in New Caledonia and four in French Polynesia.
It also applies to the former Pacific nuclear weapons test sites in Mururoa and Fangataufa where the filming and photography ban also applies to the territorial waters.
Trangressions are punishable with one year in prison and a $US70,000 fine.
