A pro-independence leader in New Caledonia, Christian Tein, along with six other activists, has been transferred to a prison facility in mainland France to await trial on charges related to the deadly unrest that occurred in May. The move was made to ensure a calm and unbiased investigation into the alleged wrongdoings of the Kanak activists, who have been seeking independence from France for decades.
The violence erupted in response to proposed changes to the French Constitution and voting lists in New Caledonia by President Emmanuel Macron's government. The unrest led to nine deaths and widespread destruction of property, prompting France to declare a state of emergency and deploy additional troops to restore order.
The detained activists face a range of charges, including complicity in attempted murder, organized theft, destruction of property, and participation in a criminal group. The arrests followed a police raid targeting the Field Action Coordination Unit, a pro-independence party that has been organizing peaceful protests against the French authorities and the proposed voting reform.
Despite the accusations of violence and criminal activities leveled against the pro-independence group, the National Council of Chiefs of the Indigenous Kanak people has expressed support for their cause. The Kanak activists have mobilized tens of thousands of people in peaceful demonstrations in Nouméa and across the island in recent months.
Following the escalation of violence, Macron suspended the voting rights changes in New Caledonia. Tein, who met with Macron during his visit to the territory, urged protesters to continue their resistance in pursuit of full independence.
New Caledonia, which became French in 1853, has a complex history of colonization and struggles for self-determination. The Kanak people, granted French citizenship in 1957, continue to push for sovereignty and independence from France.
