People's Rep and five accused plead not guilty to sedition [1]
Monday, March 2, 2009 - 19:21. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 16:47.
Six people, accused of sedition in relation to the events of 16/11, appeared in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court today at the start of a trial that is expected to last over two weeks.
Sione Teisina Fuko, the Ha'apai No. 2 People's Representative and five others pleaded not guilty to charges of sedition.
The sedition charges are related to seditious remarks they allegedly made between October 26 and November 16, 2006, when Nuku'alofa was set on fire.
The six accused are Paula Vi of Masilamea, Siosiua Uipi of Fatai, Tevita Fifita of Popua, Siale Fihaki of Nukunuku, Semisi Tapueluelu of Haveluloto and Sione Teisina Fuko of Ma'ufanga.
Acting Solicitor General 'Aminiasi Kefu, the Crown Prosecutor, said in his opening address, the words spoken by the six accused showed seditious intent, which the Crown alleged encouraged disorder in the country and incited disaffection against government.
He said four of the accused were charged with one count of sedition each, while two accused face more charges. Fuko is charged with three counts of sedition relating to three different speeches and Fihaki is charged with two counts of sedition.
The Crown will call a total of 29 witnesses and the trial is expected to last for at least two to three weeks.
Disorder
The Crown Prosecutor said the witnesses would be called in the order of the speeches, firstly with Paula Vi who first spoke at Masilamea village on October 26.
Followed by Uipi who spoke on November 13 at Pangai Si'i, and Fifita on November 14. Fuko made two speeches on November 15 in Pangai Si'i and at the OBN Television, with the other on November 16 at Pangai Si'i.
Fihaki and Tapueluelu made their speeches on November 16, 2006 at Pangai Si'i.
The Crown alleged seditious intent and read out an extract of Uipi's speech that made reference to bloodshed, while Fifita in his speech made reference to burning down of houses.
The charges against Fuko related to three different speeches which made reference to clashes if government did not consent to a reform. The defendant had also referred to the reform model submitted by government at the time and said it was a war challenge to the people.
On November 16, he is alleged to have called for the Prime Minister to come and meet the people at Pangai Si'i or they would come to the Prime Minister's Office. Tapueluelu also on November 16 called on the Prime Minister to come to Pangai or they would go there.
The Crown alleged this incited disaffection amongst people because after they spoke, people began to move to the Prime Minister's Office and started the damage, which continued to the Treasury, Parliament, the Courts and other businesses in Nuku'alofa.
Fihaki in his speeches at Pangai Si'i made reference to the Prime Minister's businesses and the Free Wesleyan Church residence, at the same time eyewitnesses alleged to have heard him saying to a group of people to divide up to the East side and 'Anana, like instructing them to do damages.
The Crown Prosecutor said all speeches were retrieved because they were broadcasted on OBN TV with the exception of speeches made on November 16, which could not be retrieved.
The accused are represented by various counsel. Fuko is represented by Clive Edwards; Fihaki by Laki Niu; Tapueluelu and Uipi by Sifa Tu'utafaiva; while Mana Kaufusi represents Fifita and Vi.