Tonga police charge 355 with riot crimes

Around 355 suspects have been charged with offenses relating to destruction of the Nuku'alofa business center on Nov. 16, said the Tong police Wednesday.

Tong Police Commander Sinilau Kolokihakaufisi said the suspects were charged with arson, theft and other crimes, all related to the destruction of central Nuku'alofa, reported Matangi Tonga, a local news service.

"There will be more arrests as we continue our investigations," said Sinilau.

The Police have confiscated stolen goods from suspects' homes, such as double beds, refrigerators, boat engines, a small launch, buckets of oil, boxes of noodles, food items and other goods.

Rioting erupted in Nuku'alofa on Nov. 16 in protest at the slow pace of democratic reform, with rampaging protesters setting fire to buildings and overturning police and government vehicles. Around 30 Chinese-owned stores were trashed.

Source: Xinhua