Which country blew up a Greenpeace ship in New Zealand?

In July 1985, the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace ship, was indeed blown up in New Zealand. The shocking act of sabotage was carried out by French intelligence agents, causing global outrage and leading to a diplomatic crisis between France and New Zealand.

The Rainbow Warrior was docked in Auckland Harbor, preparing for a protest against French nuclear testing in the Pacific. Agents from the French intelligence agency, known as the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE), planted two bombs on the ship's hull. The first explosion occurred late at night, causing the vessel to sink within minutes. Tragically, photographer Fernando Pereira, who was on board, lost his life in the attack.

The motive behind this shocking act was the French government's opposition to Greenpeace's anti-nuclear activities, particularly their protests against French nuclear tests in the Pacific. France had been conducting nuclear tests in the region, which had drawn significant criticism from environmental organizations like Greenpeace.

Following the attack, New Zealand launched an investigation and quickly discovered evidence linking the sabotage to French agents. The identities of the agents involved were uncovered, and they were subsequently arrested and charged. France initially denied any involvement in the incident, but later admitted its responsibility, expressing regret and issuing an official apology to New Zealand.

The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior had far-reaching consequences. It led to strained relations between France and New Zealand, resulting in economic sanctions imposed by New Zealand and widespread condemnation from the international community. The incident also elevated Greenpeace's profile globally, generating increased support for their environmental activism.

Today, the Rainbow Warrior is remembered as a symbol of peaceful protest and environmental activism. The ship's wreckage was eventually refloated and scuttled in the waters near the Cavalli Islands, off the coast of New Zealand, where it now serves as a living reef and a constant reminder of the importance of protecting our planet.

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