4 Mar 2009

107 so far convicted of involvement in destruction during riots in Tonga

4:59 pm on 4 March 2009

Tonga's Acting Solicitor General,'Aminiasi Kefu, says 107 people have so far been convicted of offences relating to the riots of November 16, 2006.

The riots wrecked much of Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa.

'Aminiasi Kefu told Matangi Tonga online that 303 people were charged in connection with the riots.

He says the Crown has withdrawn 26 cases, 18 were acquitted, three were remitted to the Magistrate's Court, while another 31 are still awaiting trial.

He also says 118 people are undergoing an Adult Diversion Program, a prosecution scheme to give adult offenders another chance