Second 16/11 group trial begins at Supreme Court [1]
Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 19:43. Updated on Sunday, June 15, 2014 - 18:19.
The second group of accused who are charged with 16/11 related offences appeared at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on Monday, November 12.
The accused are Siuta Ngahe of Pea, Timote Pekipaki of Vaini, Mekiloni Fotu of Navutoka, Nikolasi Fiu of Hofoa, Fiula 'Atuhekaho of Ma'ufanga, and a married couple, Tavake and Taufa Tafolo of Halaleva.
The group of six men and one woman have been charged with offences, ranging from attending a riotous assembly at Pangai Si'i to housebreaking, the damaging and destruction of private and government properties and vehicles.
Among properties that were either destroyed or damaged were Molisi Tonga Supermarket, the Treasury, the Parliament, the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court and Supreme Court, O.G. Sanft Building, Mark Repair Shop located in the O.G. Sanft Building, Island Mobile and the Golden Star Restaurant in central Nuku'alofa.
Kolofo'ou jury
The group is tried by a jury of six men and one woman, all from Kolofo'ou.
The jury selection began at 10:00am and lasted over two hours, when candidates were challenged mainly by the defence side and discharged.
The court also discharged some because they were either in acquaintance or were friends of some of the witnesses that the Crown will call, some even knew and were in relations with some of the accused while some were related to the counsels.
Impartial
Chief Justice Ford told the jury that it was very important to select jurors who were completely impartial so that justice can be served.
The Crown Prosecutor 'Aminiasi Kefu, said that he is expecting to call over 20 witnesses to give evidence. The trial is expected to run for at least two weeks.
The legal counsel for the accused are 'Ofa Pouono for Siuta Ngahe and Mana Kaufusi represents the rest of the six men.