16/11 Group-trial starts in the Supreme Court [1]
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 21:29. Updated on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 15:30.
A group trial of seven men charged with 16/11 related offences started at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court this morning.
The seven men have been charged with offences, ranging from attending a riotous assembly at Pangai Si'i to housebreaking, arson, and the damaging of private and government properties.
The seven accused who have pleaded not guilty to all the charges, are 'Epeli 'Anitema of Nukuknuku, Kupufonua Folau of Mataika, Lafitani Tafolo of 'Anana, Laukau Pongia of Halaleva, Mapele Talatala of Nukunuku, Steven Tafolo of 'Anana, and 'Aisea 'Ali of Halaleva.
They are accused of destroying properties including, Molisi Tonga Supermarket, Chinese Shops at Kolomotu'a, and at Hala Lelue, the TCF Supermarket, and the Tungi Arcade Building. Properties that were partially damaged included the Prime Minister's Office and the Treasury.
The group have chosen to be tried by a jury.
A jury of seven men has been elected from the villages of Ha'akame, Houma and Kolovai.
Chief Justice Ford advised the jurors that because they are familiar with the events of 16/11, they should, "put aside whatever they heard about the events of that day, as the accused will be tried solely on the evidence in court and the evidence on each accused must be considered separately."
The Crown Prosecutor 'Aminiasi Kefu, outlined his case and said that on Thursday November 16, 2006, "there was a political assembly at Pangai Si'i. Between 3:00-3:30pm the majority of the people at the meeting went to the Prime Minister's Office and started smashing it while those who remained at the park also smashed the Treasury."
The Crown will call 19 witnesses.
The legal counsel 'Ofa Pouono represented Kupufonua Folau and 'Aisea 'Ali, while Mana Kaufusi represented the remaining five accused.