A prominent Kanak independence figure remains unable to return to his homeland in New Caledonia despite being cleared for travel, with his legal representatives alleging French authorities are intentionally delaying the reissuance of his passport.
Christian Tein, who leads the Kanak National and Socialist Liberation Front, was released from detention in June after spending a year in solitary confinement. Although a Paris appeals court dismissed the majority of charges against him in October, permitting his return, administrative hurdles have left him stranded in mainland France.
“The psychological impact of solitary confinement stays with you permanently,” Tein stated from his current residence in Alsace. “Having been authorized to return home, I now face unexplained delays in obtaining the necessary travel documentation.”
The situation stems from unrest that shook the Pacific territory last year following proposed electoral reforms. Fourteen individuals lost their lives during the violence, which represented the most severe clashes since the independence movements of the 1980s.
Tein was among several activists transferred to French detention facilities during the emergency measures. While magistrates ultimately found no evidence supporting allegations of planning armed insurrection, he remains under investigation for conspiracy and organized robbery allegations he continues to deny.
Legal advocates have raised concerns that the passport delay may constitute an unlawful restriction on freedom of movement. They note that the same administration that previously issued emergency travel documents is now causing the holdup.
The French government recently abandoned the contested voting reforms, instead establishing the Bougival agreement that grants expanded autonomy while maintaining French sovereignty. Tein, who was elected to his leadership position while incarcerated, has rejected this compromise.
“At 57, I cannot pass this struggle to the next generation,” Tein remarked. “Our objective remains full independence, but I must be present in our homeland to participate in these crucial discussions about our future.”
Similar allegations of mistreatment have emerged regarding other detained Kanak activists, with one describing being “completely dehumanized” during transfer to French prisons. Government ministers responsible for overseas territories and justice have not responded to inquiries about these claims.
