29 Nov 2006

Tonga police charge more than 350 with offences during Nuku'alofa riot

9:59 am on 29 November 2006

Tonga's Police Commander, Sinilau Kolokihakaufisi, says 355 people have been charged with arson, theft or other crimes, related to the rioting in Nuku'alofa on November 16th.

The Commander has told Matangi Tonga Online that one hundred suspected rioters are still being held in custody.

Suspects already charged will appear in a new Magistrate's Court that has been set up at the Tonga National Centre, starting on December 7th.

Meanwhile, police have confirmed that a seventh body has been found in the gutted remains of the Shoreline building.

Analysis of the human remains found at the site has confirmed that seven people died in the building.