By Cindy Trinh
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania
PAPEETE, French Polynesia – French Polynesia’s veteran politician, Gaston Flosse, alleges that French authorities violated the European Human Rights Convention when French investigators detained his partner, Pascale Haiti.
In September of 2009, investigators detained Haiti to question her about the corruption probe of the Office of Post of Telecommunications (OPT). The case involves the misuse of $2 million through the OPT. Flosse is alleged to be the leader of the corruption probe.
Haiti was detained in Paris, France. Flosse stated that he believes the detainment of people close to him was merely a tactic to scare him.
Another person detained in link to the probe of the OPT was a computer technician, who was jailed in Tahiti for suspicion of destroying evidence. The technician was kept awake for two days straight and not allowed to sleep during the questioning.
In early October 2009, investigators searched the offices of the Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party at the assembly to further inquire about the OPT corruption probe.
On October 26, Flosse has stated to the Depeche de Tahiti newspaper that the French authorities violated the European Human Rights Convention when the investigators detained Haiti in Paris, France.
Flosse stated that he is “repulsed by the prolonged jailing of fellow suspects.”
Many of the alleged co-conspirators have been transferred to Tahiti, and are held in prison for months.
Flosse rejects all claims of corruption and continues to assert his innocence.
For more information, please see:
Pacific Islands Report – Tahiti Politician Accuses France of Human Rights Abuses – 26 October, 2009
Radio New Zealand International – Flosse alleges French human rights abuse – 26 October, 2009
Islands Business – French Polynesia’s Tahoeraa assembly offices searched – 9 October, 2009
Radio Australia News – French Polynesia bans Flosse for one year – 25 September, 2009
Radio New Zealand International – Partner of French Polynesia’s Flosse detained in Paris – 24 September, 2009
