The Tongan police have taken into custody two people who have been charged with sedition and other charges relating to the destruction of the Nuku'alofa Business District on November 16.

The Acting Commander of Police, Taniela Faletau said this morning that the Tongatapu no. 2 People's Representative, 'Isileli Pulu had been charged with sedition and abetting wilful damage to properties. Pulu was arrested by the Tongan Police on Wednesday, January 10 and is being held in custody.

He confirmed that on Monday, January 8, a business woman, 'Ofa Simiki, was arrested and charged with sedition and the abetting of arson.

Taniela Faletau said that once a hearing date was set, with a possible arrangement for bail, the two might be released.

Under the Emergency Powers Act, currently in force in Tonga an arrested person may be detained by the police for a period not exceeding seven days.

To date a total of 678 people have been arrested, including 54 women, and charged with crimes relating to the events of November 16. Those arrested ranged in age from nine years to 70 years old.

Taniela Faletau said he was pleading with the public to be patient with their demand for the arrest of prominent people who were visibly involved in the events of November 16. "I would like to ask the public to be patient, because we have to have enough evidence before we can arrest and charge someone," he said.

In Tonga, Sedition is a criminal offence against the state and a conviction can result in a term of imprisonment for any period not exceeding seven years.