French investigating magistrates have ordered the release of an independence leader from New Caledonia who was detained for a year over deadly riots in 2024, but he will not be freed immediately after prosecutors appealed the decision.
Christian Tein, 57, from the indigenous Kanak group, has been held in custody in eastern France since June 2024.
He was charged over rioting on the Pacific archipelago that left 14 people dead, including two gendarmes, and caused more than two billion euros in damage.
Tein heads the Field Action Coordination Unit (CCAT), an organisation that prosecutors suspect was behind the unrest that broke out on 13 May 2024.
He has denied any role in organising violence and considers himself a political prisoner.
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Insufficient evidence
The investigating judges questioned Tein in late May and on Tuesday ruled he should be released under judicial control.
A source close to the case told the French news agency AFP that the conditions include a ban on returning to New Caledonia and on contacting other individuals involved in the case.
The judges concluded that, at this stage, there is no evidence Tein was preparing an armed uprising against the French state. They also found no incriminating material during searches of his devices.
Prosecutors opposed the decision, arguing that Tein played a central role in planning violent action against the government. Prosecutors said he could try to flee with the help of supporters if released.
A Paris court of appeal is expected to decide within 48 hours whether the release order should be suspended.
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Lawyers welcome decision
In a statement, Tein’s lawyers welcomed what they called the judges’ “new reading of the case”. They also said the Paris prosecutor’s office was “totally out of touch" with the evidence of the proceedings.
“The freedom of Mr Tein must now be recovered so that the judicial battle continues to convince of his absolute innocence,” they said.
