Witness heard accused loudly utter "bloodshed" [1]
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - 17:18. Updated on Thursday, February 12, 2015 - 21:43.
Defining the meaning of the word "bloodshed", took up most of the morning of the second day of a jury trial of six accused charged with sedition relating to the events of November 16, 2006 in Nuku'alofa.
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 Ha'apai PR Sione Teisina Fuko of Ma'ufanga.
Melino Mafua, a witness told the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court today that he heard the accused Paula Vi say in a speech on October 26, 2006 that "if the attempts for reform gets to the stage of bloodshed then go ahead.
Melino (64) of Masilamea, the second witness of the Crown, recalled the comment in his evidence in chief, which was an extract of what Vi allegedly spoke at the meeting.
He told the court the defendant's "voice was loud" and "what he said was what was in his heart and he stood by it. It seemed like he was upset with Government," added the witness.
He also confirmed the objective of the meeting was to conduct a survey where people could express their opinions in relation to political change.
Also heard comment
A third accused Taani Afeaki, a resident of Masilamea, confirmed he too was present at the meeting and recalled to the court the same extract from the defendant's speech on this particular day.
"What I understood from the extract of Vi's speech was that if all attempts made do not take place then it would get to that stage where he referred to bloodshed.
"To me this was an inappropriate speech to be made because of tranquillity of how we live, meaning there would have been other ways for attempts to be made and it does not have to get to this stage. Progression should be done peacefully and we should live in harmony with Government," added the witness.
Cross-examination
In the cross examination of Melino by the counsel for the defendant, Mana Kaufusi, he asked whether he too spoke at the meeting and he answered that, yes, he conducted the welcoming speech.
The counsel then asked the witness whether he was aware that in Clause 7 of the Constitution, everyone is free to express their opinions, he answered yes, and when asked whether the speech made by his client incited violence at the meeting, he answered "no".
The trial continues throughout the week with Crown witnesses to be called in the chronology of the speeches made by the six accused starting from Vi who first spoke on October 26 at Masilamea.
The Crown will call a total of 29 witnesses but it is yet to be confirmed whether the defendants will call any witnesses because the onus of proof is on the Crown to prove.
Chief Justice Anthony Ford presides in the jury trial that is expected to run for over two weeks.