Paris has accused Baku of conducting a separatist campaign in France

The French state protection service against foreign digital interference (VIGINUM) announced that against the background of riots and separatism in New Caledonia, Azerbaijan is spreading defamation against France on social networks.

The service said accounts of Azerbaijani origin were systematically spreading "blatantly false or misleading content" about French police shooting protesters in New Caledonia.

Responding to this statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan stated: "Instead of accusing Azerbaijan of supporting the pro-independence protests in New Caledonia, France should focus on its country's failed policy towards the border regions, which has caused such protests."  

"On May 15 alone, 1,686 X users shared false information directed against France. At least 86 of them declared that they are members of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party," the report states. 
Also on May 16, at least 112 of the 301 users who published similar posts on the X platform stated in their bios that they are from the ruling "New Azerbaijan" party and are Azerbaijanis.