Henri-Dokucas Naisseline Photo: Supplied
A high chief in New Caledonia has been charged over the unrest in 2020 on Mare which led to the evacuation of more than 130 residents to Noumea.
Henri-Dokucas Naisseline and five other people are accused of masterminding a violent campaign following the disputed appointment of a new Protestant pastor.
They were arrested last week after ignoring several summons but after three days of questioning, they have been conditionally set free, as investigations continue.
They are not allowed to carry arms, are banned to communicate with each other and must regularly report to police.
Mr Naisseline is not allowed to visit Roh and must pay a $US10,000 bail.
In November 2020, dozens of people joined the violence, stole belongings, burnt down homes and set cars on fire.
Many residents fled, which led the New Caledonian government to charter two planes to evacuate 138 people to Noumea where they have remained.
Henri-Dokucas Naisseline became high chief of the Guahma district in 2007, succeeding his father Nidoish Naisseline, who in the 1990s was the president of the Loyalty Islands Province.