New Caledonian independence activist Christian Tein, imprisoned in Mulhouse, will remain detained in France, the Nouméa Court of Appeal decided on Friday, November 29 after the invalidation in October of his detention pronounced at first instance.
“Christian Tein remains in detention in mainland France”indicated Me Pierre Ortet, one of the lawyers of the independence activist, at the end of the hearing which was held behind closed doors.
On October 22, the Court of Cassation invalidated the detention of Christian Tein, ordering that this decision be re-examined by an appeal court.
A “break in confidentiality”
The Court recognized a “breach of confidentiality” exchanges between lawyers and their clients, videoconference interviews can be recorded. Another independence activist, Steve Unë, benefited from the same decision.
Both are members of the Field Action Coordination Unit (CCAT), an organization accused by the government of being behind the riots which have ravaged New Caledonia since May, causing 13 deaths and damage estimated at more than two billion euros.
Christian Tein is indicted for seven counts, including complicity in attempted murder, organized gang theft with a weapon, participation in a criminal association with a view to preparing a crime.
Arrested on June 19, he was placed in pre-trial detention and immediately transferred to France on June 23 with six other activists, aboard a specially chartered plane. Christian Tein has always denied having called for violence.
