Some 638 suspects were arrested and over 500 have been charged by the Tonga Police for arson, theft and other offences relating to their participation in the destruction of the Nuku'alofa business centre on November 16.

The Tonga Police Commander Sinilau Kolokihakaufisi said that up to this morning, December 8, they had arrested a total of 638 suspects, with 116 still detained in police custody for questioning.

Sinilau said that the charges laid against the suspects were mainly arson, theft and other crimes relating to the damages and burning down of buildings and shops.

The oldest suspect charged is a 70-year-old man and the youngest is a 12 year old. The majority of suspects are males and a few females, with the biggest group being aged between 21-30 years old. There were 57 suspects younger than 17 years old. Suspects charged include:

277 aged 21-30 years,

132 aged 18-20 years,

97 aged 31-40 years,

57 aged 12-17 years,

35 aged 41-57years,

16 aged between 51-60,

3 over 60 years

21 unknown ages.

Young offenders

Meanwhile, the Tongan Cabinet has decided to deal separately with young offenders announcing a Youth Justice System Diversionary Program on December 7.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Hon 'Alisi Taumoepeau said that over the past weeks, a significant number of young persons aged under 18 had been charged as a result of the lawlessness that engulfed Tonga on November 16, 2006.

"The program, which will be set up immediately, is aimed at those young persons who committed minor offences and it will involve restoration to the direct victim and community for the harm caused."

She said that the program aimed at firstly diverting appropriate young persons from the criminal justice system, ensuring they take responsibility for their actions and participate in restorative justice, and also to enter a non-conviction on the records of the young persons who successfully complete the program in order for them to move on and take up the opportunity given to them by the court and the community.

The program includes a work component, with supervision and provision for breaches, and its effectiveness will be monitored with the view to making it a permanent program, the Attorney General said.