Tongatapu no. 1 People's Representative 'Akilisi Pohiva was released from police custody on bail this afternoon, according to Chief Police Inspector Ashley Fua.

He said that 'Akilisi had been in Police custody since his arrest on the evening of Wednesday January 17, two months to the day after the Nuku'alofa CBD was burned.

'Akilisi has been charged with three counts of sedition, and after a brief appearance in the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court this morning he was released on bail.

'Akilisi was one of a group of people who called people to come to Pangai Si'i on November 16. The crowd later went out looting and setting fire to the Nuku'alofa CBD.

He is the third prominent person to have been arrested in relation to the events of November 16. The other two who are also known to be charged with sedition and other charges, including the abetting of arson and wilful damage to properties, were the Tongatapu no. 2 People's Representative, 'Isilelil Pulu, and a local business woman, 'Ofa Simiki.