The suspects are still in custody. They must continue to serve this period in France so that the criminal investigation can “continue calmly and without pressure”, according to the Nouméa prosecutor. Tein’s lawyer previously said he was stunned when it became clear his client would be taken to France. He called that step very unusual.
Authorities have not announced exactly why Tein is being prosecuted. His arrest followed recent unrest in New Caledonia, which is about 17,000 kilometers from the French mainland. This unrest was related to discontent over the planned reforms of the electoral system in the archipelago and was accompanied by road blockages and looting. Nine people were killed and hundreds were injured.
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