Arrests for independence protests
After a month of independence demonstrations in New Caledonia, the police of this French overseas territory have arrested 11 people for their alleged participation in the protests, which have resulted in fatalities. Among those detained is Christian Tein, pro-independence leader and head of the activist group CCAT (Coordinating Cell for Field Action), who has been accused of ‘organized crime’, like the rest of those arrested.
The role of Christian Tein
Christian Tein, recognized as one of the organizers of barricades in the capital, Nouméa, has long been a leading figure in New Caledonia’s independence movement. His detention, along with that of the other arrestees, allows them to be held for up to 96 hours. According to the chief prosecutor in the case, these arrests are part of a police investigation that covers a wide range of alleged crimes, such as complicity in murder and attempted murder, armed robbery, arson and membership in a group created to prepare violent acts. .
Police deployment and closure of businesses
The operation to arrest these 11 people required a large police deployment, which led to the closure of several shops and even the town hall of Nouméa, in order to avoid further unrest. Tein’s arrest took place at the headquarters of the main pro-independence party, the Caledonian Union, just as he was preparing to hold a press conference.
Context of the protests in New Caledonia
New Caledonia was a French colony until 1946, when it acquired the status of a French overseas territory. The island experienced an economic boom thanks to its nickel reserves, which attracted many French from the metropolis and reduced the presence of the natives. However, despite the 1998 Nouméa Agreement, which allowed progress towards gradual autonomy for the area and calls for referendums on independence, protests arose due to restrictions on the electoral roll that limited the participation of certain groups. These restrictions have been the subject of controversy and have generated unrest on the island (https://rereferencesbibliograficas.com/como-parafrasear/).
Suspension of electoral reforms
The controversial electoral reforms that sparked the protests have recently been suspended, French President Emmanuel Macron announced. These reforms, which included restrictions on the electoral roll, had been criticized by the independence movements, as they considered that they would dilute their electoral presence.