A jury today acquitted four of the seven men charged with multiple offences relating to the riots of November 16, 2006, in a group trial at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court, but they found the remaining three men guilty on some charges. This is the fourth group trial relating to the riots and the charges ranged from attending a riotous assembly, to the destruction of the Shoreline building and the Molisi Tonga supermarket, the damaging of buildings namely the Prime Minister's Office, the Treasury, Parliament House, government vehicles and housebreaking offences.

The four men acquitted were Tipiloma Funaki, Talimafi Halatokoua, Sione Fatongiatau and Langi Tafolo Jr.

The three men who were found guilty were Talifolau Letisi, Helonimo Ngauamo and Tavake Tafuna.

The three men faced multiple offences and were acquitted on some of the charges. But the jury found them guilty on charges relating to the destruction of the Shoreline building, the damaging of the Leiola Duty Free Shop and Nuku'alofa Club, the damaging of a government vehicle and a Chinese Shop and housebreaking into Molisi.

The Chief Justice released the men on bail, and adjourned their sentence to be passed down on July 11 at the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Ford thanked the jurors for their work and told the four men that they were free to go.

The trial began two weeks ago with the accused represented by counsel Mana Kaufusi, and with 'Aminiasi Kefu for the Crown.