Tonga's King Tupou VI Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Indira Stewart
23 Tonga prison inmates have been released from various jails around the country to mark the coronation of King Tupou VI.
The Minister of Police and Prisons, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, says the released inmates were all close to finishing their terms in jail and had met good behaviour and other requirements.
Radio Tonga says the release, the first since a legislative amendment in 2010, was approved by Cabinet on 19th June andwent ahead on Monday this week.
