Ring leaders in Tonga riots still at large
Posted at 8:11am on 01 Dec 2006
Tonga's police commander says the suspected ringleaders of the riots that destroyed much of the centre of capital Nuku'alofa have yet to be arrested.
Sinilau Kolokihakaufisi says 116 other people are in custody and more than 350 people have been charged with arson, theft or other crimes.
Commander Kolokihakaufisi says nearly 90 police, including New Zealand police officers, are assigned to investigating the riots, which left seven confirmed dead.
He says they cannot focus only on the suspected ringleaders.
Commander Kolokihakaufisi says police are still operating under emergency powers and although it is calm at the moment he cannot rule out the possibility of further outbreaks of violence.
NZ troops to be withdrawn
Defence Minister Phil Goff has confirmed New Zealand troops will withdraw from Tonga at the weekend.
Australia and New Zealand sent about 150 troops and police to help maintain order after the riots.
Mr Goff says their job is now complete and Tongan authorities are confident that should any unexpected disturbance arise they will be able to handle the situation.
He says the way is now open for reconciliation and progress to be made on getting democratic reform in Tonga.
New Zealand and Australia police personnel are staying to help with forensic work as part of the investigation into the riot.
Background
The ABC reports the riots occurred on November 16 after Parliament went into recess without voting on democratic reforms.
Last Thursday, King George Tupou V assured his people he was committed to political reforms.
Tonga is a group of 170 islands about 2,000km north of New Zealand, with a population of about 100,000 people.
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