8 Dec 2008

New Caledonian court upholds Vili acquittal

11:28 am on 8 December 2008

New Caledonia's court of appeal has upheld the acquittal of a Wallisian man, Laurent Vili, who had again been accused of murdering a Kanak man during a prolonged ethnic conflict in 2002.

Mr Vili, who plays rugby in France, was accused of shooting a 26-year old Kanak, Jean-Marie Goyeta, during a gunfight near Noumea between Kanaks and Wallisians.

After his acquittal in April, the prosecution lodged an appeal and demanded that he be jailed for up to eight years.

Mr Vili had first been arrested in France six years ago and then spent a year in jail as part of the investigation.

The first acquittal upset Kanak supporters who burnt tyres in protest at the verdict.

It is not known who shot and killed Mr Goyeta who died of his gun wounds in hospital.