French judges order release of New Caledonia pro-Independence leader

​​​​​​​By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - French judges ordered the release Tuesday of New Caledonia pro-independence leader Christian Tein, who was indicted and held in pre-trial detention in France for one year, according to the Le Monde newspaper.

A Paris judicial court ruled that there was no reason to keep Tein, leader of the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front (FLNKS), and three other leaders of the Coordination of Action on the Ground (CCAT) in detention.

But the public prosecutor is reported to have appealed the decision.

Tein is among seven pro-independence activists detained in France following deadly unrest that erupted in response to a proposed bill to revise electoral rules in June 2024.

The bill would have granted voting rights in local elections to French nationals who have resided on the island for at least 10 years. The proposal has been met with strong opposition from the indigenous Kanak population, who fear that the changes would diminish their electoral influence.

In reaction to escalating violence, which has resulted in at least 11 deaths, the French government declared a state of emergency and sent additional forces to New Caledonia to support authorities in restoring order.

French President Emmanuel Macron responded to the crisis June 12 by suspending the controversial electoral reform plan.