Results for 16/11

Four local companies who were suing their insurance company for cover over damage to their properties in the riots of 16 November 2006, ended their case today on the basis that no party paid costs. The plaintiffs were disappointed to pull out as the evidence in court about the riots favoured the defence position that the riots resulted from "a popular rising, people connected with an organisation the objects of which included influencing the government by violent means and terrorism."

'Isileli Pulu, who followed a crowd of rioters and witnessed damage to businesses during the 16 November 2006 Nuku'alofa riots, was vigorously questioned on his movements on that day, when he gave evidence in an insurance case heard at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court yesterday. During the hard questioning the judge warned 'Isileli that he may not answer any questions if he felt it might incriminate himself.

Eight plaintiffs of local businesses whose properties were damaged and gutted by fire during the riots of November 16, 2006 are suing their insurance company the National Pacific Insurance (Tonga) Ltd, for coverage.

Since Monday, September 10, the Tongan Parliament has been trying to decide what to do with a new motion by the Minister of Justice, Hon. Clive Edwards for a parliamentary select committee to go and find out why protesters burned the Nuku'alofa Central Business District on 16 November 2006. Clive's new motion riled up emotional and aggressive comments from members of the House who reminded him that there were court cases and they had got off, but if he wanted to go back to the past they might get caught this time. From the House, by Pesi Fonua.

Our Government and the People's Representative has been very quiet on the matter of setting-up an Independent Commission to investigate the events that lead up to the destruction and riot of 16 November 2006. - Langafonua Tu'uloa Party

Tau'a'alo Kavaliku of Vaini was given an 18 months suspended sentence by Chief Justice Anthony Ford at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on Friday, August 22.

Sangster Sauala, the former General Manager of the Oceania Broadcasting Television OBN, appeared for the first time in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on May 16, charged with two counts of sedition and riotous assembly relating to the November 16 riots.

Fapiano Kali of Fanga appeared in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on May 16, and pleaded not guilty to the destruction of a Chinese shop during the Nuku'alofa riots of November 16, 2006

The Tongatapu no. 2 People's Representative, 'Isileli Pulu, has pleaded not guilty to charges of abetment to murder and abetment to arson at the Shoreline Building on November 16 2006.