Sangstar Saulala, Semisi Kailahi and Oceania Broadcasting Television Network OBN were found guilty of criminal defamation for defaming the former Minister of Justice, Tevita Tupou, at the Supreme Court, Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on September 19.

The Criminal Defamation case came about following an OBN television talk show, Matalafo Lau Kai, hosted by Semisi Kailahi on 21 February 2001. In it he related a story of the Minister of Justice's missing key, and alleged that pro-democracy campaigner 'Akilisi Pohiva had left with it. The event was said to had taken place around April 2000. The former Minister told the court that Semisi and Sangstar had damaged his reputation by alluding that he intended for 'Akilisi to take the key.

Mr Justice Ford presided. The legal counsel for Sangstar, Semisi and the OBN were William Edwards and Masao Paasi; for the Crown was 'Aminiasi Kefu.

The case was tried by a jury of four men and three women and ran from September 8 to 19. Meanwhile, the defendants intend to appeal the jury decision.The sentencing will be announced on 25 September, 2003.