Five People's Representatives who were charged with seven criminal charges relating to November 16, will now face only one charge of sedition each, Chief Justice Anthony Ford announced at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court this morning.

The five accused: 'Akilisi Pohiva, 'Isileli Pulu, William Clive Edwards, 'Uliti Uata and Lepolo Taunisila, first appeared in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on July 18 and were charged with one count of sedition and six counts of abetment to cause disruption resulting in the destruction of six different premises, including the Molisi Tonga Supermarket, Pacific Royale Hotel, Tungi Arcade, Shoreline Building, Fung Shing Supermarket and the Leiola Duty Free Shop on November 16, 2006.

Crown withdraws six charges

Chief Justice Anthony Ford told the court, that following a preliminary inquiry, the cases were filed for a hearing in the Supreme Court. However, two days ago the Court received a notice from Crown Law of their intent to withdraw the previous indictments and file new indictments of sedition only on each accused.

The five accused who were all present in court today, pleaded not guilty to the charges. It is alleged that between November 13 to 16, 2006 they committed sedition.

Four of the accused have chosen to be tried by a jury, while Clive Edwards opted to be tried by a judge alone.

The jury trial of the four accused is set to begin on November 12. Edwards's trial is to be arraigned for a separate date by a different judge and not by Chief Justice Anthony Ford.

Crown Prosecutor is Peter Little, and Christopher Harder represented Pohiva and Uata, while Masao Paasi represented Pulu and Taunisila.