Charges have been laid against 147 accused students and ex-students from Tupou College, who have each been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit willful damage to a building in regards to an attack at a home in Tofoa on Thursday night, July 18.

New charges may be laid later, Tonga Police said today.

The Deputy Police Commissioner 'Unga Fa'aoa said 75 accused were released on bail by Magistrate Similoni Tu'akalau yesterday July 22, until Monday, July 29 to re-appear at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court.

The accused were released subject to bail conditions of $1,000 each and two sureties of $800 each and were not allowed to travel outside of Tongatapu and Tonga.

He said the 72 accused who remained in police custody would appear at the lower court later this week on Thursday, July 25.

Responsible

Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner Grant O’Fee said they were still in the early stage of their investigation and were inquiring as to what happened in the house and piecing together who was responsible for what. "For a large group it is difficult and we will need some time for our investigation because there are lots of questions to be answered," he said.

He confirmed the 147 accused included students and ex-students of Tupou College.

Meanwhile, a victim 22-year-old Taniela Halahuni remains in critical condition at Vaiola Hospital. He sustained multiple skull fractures from the alleged attack and he remains in a bad condition, said Commissioner O'Fee.

The crime scene at Tofoa, Tongatapu. 23 July 2013.