NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Six men and one woman were found guilty on charges related to the riots of November 16th of last year.  The pro-democracy rioting destroyed much of the Nuku’alofa business district and resulted in eight deaths, and is responsible for the current state of emergency.  Three of those convicted told the jury that they were involved with the pro-democracy movement at the time of the riots.

Last month, a group of six people charged with riot-related offenses were found not guilty by a jury.

The six men were convicted on seventeen counts on Wednesday, including riotous assembly, housebreaking, and the damaging of government and private property.  The Treasury, Parliament House, Magistrate Court, and Supreme Court were among the government properties damaged in the riot.

Taufa Tafolo, the sole woman in the group, was convicted on a single charge of attending a riotous meeting.

The court will reconvene on 08 February for sentencing.

Five pro-reform legislators have been charged with sedition for allegedly having a role in the riots, but their trial is not expected until next year.

For more information, please see:

Matangi Tonga – Guilty verdict in second 16/11 group trial – 05 December 2007

Radio New Zealand International – Jury finds 6 people guilty over last November’s riots in Tonga – 05 December 2007

Radio New Zealand News – Group convicted of 17 charges over Tonga riot – 06 December 2007

Sydney Morning Herald – Seven found guilty over Tonga riots – 06 December 2007

Herald Sun – Seven convicted over deadly Tonga riot – 06 December 2007

Islands Business – Group convicted of 17 charges over Nuku’alofa riot – 07 December 2007