Churches call for justice in French Polynesia

7:13 am on 23 June 2020

The Pacific Conference of Churches has called for justice in French Polynesia including for veteran pro-independence politician and mayor, Oscar Temaru.

The general secretary of the Pacific Council of Churches, James Bhagwan.

The general secretary of the Pacific Council of Churches, James Bhagwan. Photo: RNZ / Jamie Tahana

In a message read at the weekend protest march in Papeete, Conference Secetary General Reverend James Bhagwan called on France not to ignore the territory's re-inscription to the United Nations Decolonisation list.

Mr Bhagwan said the Pacific churches also called on France to allow the people a voice on their political future by holding a referendum, similar to the political process in New Caledonia.

He said the recent arrest of Oscar Temaru, appeared to be linked to his role in bringing about the re-inscription of the territory at the UN.