A court in New Caledonia has fined a union leader, Sylvain Nea, 3,000 US dollars, twice, for his public outburst against two senior politicians during a strike in Noumea last October.
He has been ordered to pay the fine twice for maligning the president of the southern province, Philippe Gomes and the former President, Marie-Noelle Themereau.
The local newspaper, Nouvelles Caledoniennes, reports the two politicians had sought greater compensation for suffering abuse while holding a public office.
Sylvain Nea, who led a strike of his CSNTC union, failed to meet Mrs Themereau as agreed and proceeded to abuse her and Mr Gomes.
He later admitted having had too much to drink on the day.
