A pro-independence leader from the French overseas territory of New Caledonia has accused the French government of “deliberately dragging out” his passport application, preventing him from flying home after his release from prison.

Christian Tein, an Indigenous Kanak leader, was arrested in New Caledonia in June 2024 over allegations that he had instigated the deadly pro-independence protests that had taken place on the island a month earlier.

He was charged with various offences, including complicity in attempted murder and organised theft with a weapon, all of which he denied. A year after deadly riots, New Caledonia’s president vows to address push for independence Read more

Tein was then flown to France , 10,600 miles away, on a private chartered plane and incarcerated until

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