Tahiti pro-independence leader released from custody

5:58 pm on 30 November 2018

French Polynesia's pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru has been released after police questioned him and two others over the alleged abuse of public funds.

Oscar Temaru

Oscar Temaru Photo: RNZI

He, as well as Heinui Lecaill and Vito Maamaatuaiahutapu, are alleged to have misspent money of the association running a local radio station Radio Tefana.

The accusations stem from a public accounts audit of 2009.

Mr Maamaatuaiahutapu, who is the association's former president, told the public broadcaster afterwards that they had nothing to hide.

Mr Temaru was quoted as saying he was blamed for all mishaps on the planet.

Mr Lecaill questioned why this matter resurfaced after nine years, adding that it appeared to target Mr Temaru.

Last month, Mr Temaru lost his assembly seat over campaign account irregularities.

He alleged that he was removed because he accused French presidents of committing crimes against humanity by staging nuclear weapons tests in French Polynesia.