Photos by Pesi Fonua, Linny Folau, and George Cocker.

2,000 to 3,000 Freedom Marchers gathered at the Catholic Basilica of St Anthony of Padua, Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga, at mid-day today, and marched to the Tongan Parliament (below) to present petitions calling for protection of Freedom of Speech, which is threatened by a Government Bill to change the Tongan Constitution.

Marchers outside the Tongan parliament building.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured (below) Bishop Lilo Foliaki of the Catholic Church of Tonga handed to the chief clerk of the House, Fatai Pale, a Petition signed by 10,000 people, for the Speaker Hon. Tu'ivakano (centre).

 

Pictured (below) Mr Taione and his daughter presented a petition from the Tongan people in New Zealand who oppose the proposed amendment to Clause 7 of the Constitution .

 

 

Pictured (below) The Speaker of the Tongan Legislative Assembly the Hon. Tu'ivakano, addressed the crowd after he was presented with a petition signed by 10,000.

 

Pictured (below) The People's Representatives for Tongatapu, Ha'apai, 'Eua and Niuas were introduced to the Freedom Marchers. The PR for 'Eua Sunia Fili raises his hand.

 

 

Former President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Rev. Lopeti Taufa said a prayer for the Marchers and for Tonga, outside the Parliament building.

 

Marchers at Hala Taufa'ahau.