Witness recalls trail of destruction followed speech at Pangai Si'i [1]
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 23:12. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 16:34.
A witness told the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court today that on November 16, 2006 he saw and heard the accused Siale Fihaki's speech at Pangai Si'i, where he made reference to certain properties, shortly after they were damaged.
The jury trial of six men charged with sedition relating to the riots of November 16, 2006 reached its seventh day today, March 10. The 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 People's Representative, Sione Teisina Fuko of Ma'ufanga.
Tevita Ma'u Taholo Tovi, widely known by his chiefly title 'Tovi' of 'Ahau, appearing as a Crown witness, told the court's morning session, that on November 16 he was present at Pangai Lahi with other people. Their presence there was to confirm their support for the monarchy and the existing Government structure.
In his evidence in chief, he said they came to Pangai Lahi around
11am to 12am after their letter seeking permission to enter the park was accepted by the Prime Minister's Office. He said tents were set up, organised by the Palace Office and they sat and drank Tongan kava with other people including Noble Tu'i'afitu.
He said he heard speeches from Pangai Si'i because they were made on an amplifier.
Damage
One in particular, was a speech made by the accused Siale Fihaki, which the witness confirmed to have heard and seen with his own eyes telling people, "not to go smash Parliament."
The witness said shortly after people starting smashing it, and then he heard Siale inform the gathering, he just got information the Shoreline was being burnt.
At the same time he said to the people at Pangai Si'i "do not touch Molisi" and after a short while he again informed the people he had received information that Molisi was being set on fire. He went on to say not to go burn Radio Tonga.
"To me this meant like he was instructing or directing the people to carry out these things," said the witness.
The Crown Prosecutor asked the witness why he thought this, he said because after the accused said those things the damages took place after a short while.
The witness also alleged hearing Teisina Fuko saying a speech, "are you going to come over or we come over there", which he understood to have been directed at the Prime Minister.
He confirmed that the trail of destruction started from Treasury, the Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office and then other shops in Nuku'alofa.
The jury trial presided over by Chief Justice Anthony Ford is into its second week. The Crown will continue to call the remainder of its 29 witnesses before the defence is called.