Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu says questions about the legality of the Fiji regime did not play a part in the decision not to extradite Lt Col Ratu Tevita Mara.
Fiji has served extradition papers for Colonel Mara on the governments of Tonga, Australia and New Zealand.
Col Mara fled to Tonga after being charged with sedition by the regime.
He says the illegality of the Fiji regime was one of the reasons for Tonga refusing his extradition but Mr Vaipulu says that's not the case.
"No, it's with regards to our laws. We concentrate on our legislation and the evidence that we have got, that was sent with the papers from Fiji."
Tonga's acting Attorney-General and Deputy Prime-Minister Samiu Vaipulu
