Eight men appeared in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on May 16 charged with multiple offences including attending a riotous assembly and taking part in the destruction of Molisi Supermarket, the Shoreline Building and the Pacific Royale Hotel during the riots of November 16, 2006.

This is the fourth group trial of 16/11 offences and the accused are Talifolau Letisi, Tipiloma Funaki, Salesi Niupalau, Talimafi Halatokoua, Tavake Tafuna, Sione Fatongiatau, Langi Tafolo Jr. and Helonima Ngauamo.

The eight men pleaded not guilty to over 20 charges. Some are charged with the damaging of the Prime Minister's Office, the Treasury, Parliament Building, the Leiola Duty Free shop, the Nuku'alofa Club, the Nuku'alofa Courts and some Chinese shops, as well as housebreaking charges.

Discharged

Crown Prosecutor 'Aminiasi Kefu discharged one of the accused namely Salesi Niupalau due to a lack of evidence. He was initially charged with two counts of riotous assembly and damaging Soane Ramanlal's residence at Havelu.

The trial by jury of four men and two women began last week before Chief Justice Anthony Ford and is expected to finish before the end of May.

The accused are represented by counsel Mana Kaufusi.