16 Nov 2006

Riots erupt in Tonga after government refused to enact democratic reforms

4:34 pm on 16 November 2006

Riots have erupted in the Tongan capital, Nukualofa, after the government refused to approve democratic reforms immediately.

The assembly repeatedly deferred its sitting today as thousands of pro-democracy supporters demanded that a vote take place before the house rises for the year later today.

Our correspondent, Mateni Tapueluelu, says violence erupted after the government withdrew to the cabinet offices.

"People throw stones at the prime minister's office, they also throw stones at the cabinet office. They turned over police vehicles and vehicles of the prime minister's office. They have also done the same to a supermarket owned by the prime minister and there are men marching to the villa where the king is supposed to be residing."

Mateni Tapueluelu in Nukualofa