The five men charged with the murder of Sione Feimoefiafi (49) in the Nuku'alofa CBD, have pleaded not guilty on December 17 at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

Konai Bloomfield, Vilaketi Bloomfield, Sione Bloomfield, Siafa Nai and Tangi Tiufilusi Nai have been similarly charged with murder and in the alternative manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Supreme Court office said their case was then adjourned to April 21, 2020 for a pre-trial conference. This is to confirm the trial dates, which is tentatively set for August next year.

In the meantime, the accused men remain on bail but under strict conditions that included surrendering their passports and being put on the 'no fly list' by the Supreme Court.

The victim, Feimoefiafi from Puke and Portland, USA was visiting family in Tonga when this tragedy occurred on February 4, earlier this year.

He was fatally injured in a beating alleged to have been committed by the accused at and outside the Tali‘eva Bar in broad daylight in the Nuku'alofa CBD.