Reports from Tonga's newspapers, 8-15 April, 2009. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

April 8

The Talaki on April 8 reports that a self-styled Tongan ninja, clad in a red jersey, a red hat and a red scarf wrapped around his face, pushed 72-year old Tangaloa Tufunga off his motorbike and made off with $100. Police later arrested Tevita Heimoana of Tokomololo who was in possession of a red scarf. The complainant and accused knew each other. The accused turned out to be a relative of the magistrate so the hearing was postponed so a different magistrate could be assigned

The Talaki also reports that His Majesty's escorts had to radio for another vehicle after the royal automobile conked out in front of the ANZ Bank in central Nuku'alofa. The king's secretary David Dunkley said that it was a minor problem and not an accident; and His Majesty's security was not compromised.

The Kele'a on April 8 reports that according to Tongatapu People's Representative Clive Edwards, it was the Prime Minister and the government who instigated 16/11.

The Kele'a itself claims that the government had known in advance of the potential for a riot in allowing a group to convene at Pangai Lahi, in opposition to the throng that some of the People's Rrepresentatives had assembled in Pangai Si'i. It accuses the Molisi Tonga and the Sevele family of providing them with a banner; accuses the Palace Office of proving a tent and a toilet and claims the government aimed for a riot.

The Taimi on April 8 reports that Uikilifi Taukei'aho received only a rebuke from Police Magistrate Latu Mohenoa for hitting his wife on the back three times with a garden scissors dropping her to the ground, then punching her head, before kicking her causing her face to swell. Uikilifi had returned home to find his wife talking to her former husband. Magistrate Mohenoa told the wife that the reason for the beating was right but the beating contravenes the law.

'Asipeli Kolo of Houmakelikao pleaded guilty to pulling his 11-year old daughter's hair, striking one eye and her left hand with a stick. 'Asipeli said that he did it out of love, as her daughter goes out at night a lot. Under questioning from Police Magistrate Salesi Mafi, the girl revealed that 'Asipeli beats all his nine children and the wife too.

April 15

The Kele'a on April 15 reports that People's Representative 'Akilisi Pohiva had saved over $10 000 last October when he flew to Iran in economy seats instead of business class.

And the consultations by the Change Commission showed no support for reserving seats in parliament for women.

The Taimi on April 15 reports that Chief Justice Anthony Ford had paid from his own pocket the seven jurors in a recent trial relating to 16/11 damage, because he felt that it was improper for the jurors to sit there for five days without being paid. But the Chief Justice expects the government to reimburse him.

Commenting on the lenient sentence handed down on Uikilifi Taukei'aho for severely beating his wife, 'Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki from the Center for Women and Children said there is no justification for domestic violence. But Rev. Fili Lilo from Lifeline Tonga said there were instances when there should be understanding and adequate discussion.

According to the Talaki on April 15, the two most prominent women in government, the Minister of Justice 'Alisi Taumoepeau and Tonga's ambassador to the UN Fekita 'Utoikamanu, have decided to resign.

And Commander Lupeti Vi will be the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence.