PAUL Karalus, Tonga's former Minister of Transport is to give evidence as one of the 30 witnesses to be called by the Crown during the one month long Ashika trial that begins in Nuku'alofa on Monday, February 14.

Crown Prosecutor 'Aminiasi Kefu today read out in court the names of the witnesses who also include Mosese Fakatou a Marine Engineer who inspected the MV Princess Ashika ferry before it departed on its final voyage on August 5, 2009.

Another Crown witness is New Zealand inspector David Shaw whose Audit Report is alleged to have been forged by defendant John Jonesse; Tonga Marine Inspector Lou Pale, and a former Ashika crew member Solomone Havili.

The trial starts next week with the Crown's evidence before the defence opens their case.