Five accused plead not guilty to multiple 16/11 offences [1]
Thursday, April 2, 2009 - 20:55. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 13:46.
One woman and four men who are accused of multiple offences relating to the November 16 destruction in Nuku'alofa: 'Ofa Simiki, 'Etuate Uata, 'Asiata Masima, 'Onitulei Manu and Kata Leleifua, pleaded not guilty to a total of 16 charges, in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court this morning
The five accused have been charged with serious multiple offences of riotous assembly, the destruction of buildings and housebreaking during the riots of November 16, 2006.
One, Masima, faces up to seven counts, including the damaging of the Prime Minister's Office, Treasury, Parliament, Molisi Tonga Supermarket, Pacific Royale Hotel and a Government vehicle.
Simiki is charged with two counts of riotous assembly and abetment to the destruction of buildings. She is alleged to have directly incited rioters to damage the Phoenix Chinese shop in Nuku'alofa.
Uata is similarly charged with two counts of riotous assembly and the destruction of buildings by rioters but on the Pacific Royale Hotel.
Manu is charged with three counts of riotous assembly, abetment to the destruction of the Chinese Rainbow Store and the damaging of the Leiola Duty Free Shop.
Leleifua is charged with two counts of riotous assembly and housebreaking into Molisi Supermarket.
The Chief Justice adjourned the jury trial to continue on Monday, April 6 when the Crown will outline their case and call their 16 witnesses to the stand.
In addition to the witnesses, the Crown will also play DVDs and videos for jurors to view in their evidence.
The defence has not confirmed whether they will call any witnesses, but that is their legal right as the onus of proof is on the Crown.
Crown Prosecutors is Acting Solicitor General 'Aminiasi Kefu and Crown counsel Semisi Lutui. On the defence is Clive Edwards acting for Simiki while Sifa Tu'utafaiva represents the remaining four accused.