23 Oct 2009

Tonga Civil Society Forum doesn't condone hunger strike to topple Prime Minister

11:37 am on 23 October 2009

The chairperson of Tonga's Civil Society Forum says it doesn't condone a protest hunger strike aimed at toppling the Prime Minister.

The comment comes as the head of the Tongan Women's National Congress, Mele 'Amanaki, enters her 11th day of fasting in protest at what she describes as the injustices and poor governance of Dr Feleti Sevele's administration.

Ms 'Amanaki says these include rising crimes against women and children and the handling of the Princess Ashika disaster.

She says 800 women have joined the protest, praying daily and fasting a day a week.

Drew Havea says the Forum opposes the same issues as the congress but doesn't agree with the approach it's taking.

"All of us in Civil Society as church we belong to a Christian denomination, we don't think it is god's will for us to take our lives. I mean the issues we need to work in whatever ways, we can support, but not to commit suicide."

Drew Havea of Tonga's Civil Society Forum.