Seven New Caledonian pro-independence activists, including the group’s leader, sent to mainland France for pre-trial detention, Le Monde said.
On Saturday, the investigating magistrate charged Christian Tein in New Caledonia’s capital Nouméa. He was the first among the group of 11 people arrested on Wednesday to face charges over the violence that left nine people dead, including two police officers, and caused about €1.5 billion in damage.
Despite, authorities did not immediately say what charges Tein was facing. Nouméa chief prosecutor Yves Dupa said the detentions were part of a police investigation into a wide range of alleged offences, including complicity in murder and attempted murder, armed robbery, arson and membership of a group formed to prepare violent acts.
Tein will remain in French custody after he received charges on Saturday, 22 June, in connection with last month’s deadly riots, according to his lawyer. Apart from him, some of those arrested will also transfer to a French prison.
French President Emmanuel Macron last week announced a halt to the voting reform, but pro-independence groups are seeking to have it completely cancelled before resuming dialogue on the island’s political future, saying they will otherwise be unable to persuade young protesters to leave the barricades.
