New Caledonia riots: CCAT demands "the release" of activists transferred to mainland France
The Field Action Coordination Unit (CCAT), accused by the authorities of instigating the uprising against electoral reform in New Caledonia, demanded on Monday "the release and immediate return" of its activists who were sent to mainland France on Sunday to be imprisoned.
"We demand the release and immediate return of our brothers and sisters to be tried in their own land," the CCAT stated in a press release, denouncing France's "colonial tactics" following the arrest and transfer of these pro-independence activists, including CCAT spokesperson Christian Tein.
"The verdict against the 11 detainees is intolerable, unacceptable, and above all, unjust and unjustified," the CCAT press release continued, specifying that the "political prisoners" have appealed and that the court must rule within fifteen days.
The arrest, indictment, and swift transfer of these activists to mainland France for pretrial detention have triggered a sharp resurgence of violence in the French Pacific territory.
The riots, sparked by the vote on a constitutional bill reforming the archipelago's electoral system, the most serious in forty years, have resulted in nine deaths and extensive property damage, according to the latest official figures.
Sunday night into Monday was marked by numerous clashes between pro-independence supporters and security forces in Greater Nouméa.
The Dumbéa municipal police station and a garage were among the buildings burned. Four armored vehicles belonging to the gendarmerie were deployed, an AFP journalist observed.
"It is the French state that is inciting violence by pitting the population against disproportionate police barricades," the CCAT (Coordination of Action Against Torture) further stated in its press release.
"The Kanak people will never renounce their desire for independence in peace," the movement added.
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