27 Aug 2009

Further call to free jailed New Caledonian unionist

4:51 pm on 27 August 2009

The small French left-wing NPA party has called for the immediate release of the jailed New Caledonian union leader, Gerard Jodar, who is serving a one-year prison term for his role during the May clashes at Noumea's domestic airport.

The NPA says he is the victim of a manoeuvre to criminalise union activity.

It claims that for similar activities in mainland France, Jodar and his associates would be set free.

Meanwhile, the prison guard union of the French labour confederation has also spoken out in support of the unionists, adding that they are being kept in jail where more than 400 inmates share facilities set up for fewer than 200.