Results for Tonga riots

In a strong statement accusing the Tonga Government of attempting to influence the Judiciary, the President of Tonga's Law Society, Laki Niu, yesterday afternoon called a move to set up a new Royal Commission of Inquiry into the matter a "farce".

Tonga's King in Council has repealed the Emergency Powers Regulations 2007 and replaced them with new Emergency Powers (Public Safety and Public Order) Regulations 2008, effective from September 5 for 30 days, over an extended area of the capital Nuku'alofa.

The trial of five People's Representatives who are charged with sedition is postponed again awaiting a decision by the Court of Appeal, but a two-day hearing on legal arguments will be held in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on September 25-26.

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.

The Taimi on February 25 reports that a 16/11 suspect has told some of the Demo bosses that if they will not do something before his trial in March then he will do something. Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, February 25-28, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

I am less confident that the proposal set forth by Mr Christopher Harder will resolve anything in the current as well as the future political situation of Tonga. To be sure, I do believe in apologizing and forgiveness in response. However, to think that an apology from all parties involved in the heinous crimes of 16/11 and a pardon from the King of Tonga will rectify the current political situation in Tonga is unavoidably laughable. -Rev Dr Ma'afu Palu

I have observed great turmoil and frustration about the land as families turn against each other and the country as a whole is further torn apart by pro-democracy and pro-monarchy supporters being unable to reconcile their differences. Let there be no doubt, many in Tonga bear some responsibility for what happened on 16 November 2006 and the ongoing legal events that continue to tie up the legal process and stop the country from progressing. In no particular order these persons have responsibility and they do know who they are. - Christopher Harder