NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Tonga’s emergency regulations have been extended yet again, nearly a year after pro-democracy riots demolished most of the business district in downtown Nuku’alofa.  The regulations limit access and activities in the central business district, and prevent groups of five or more from meeting in certain areas.  This is the thirteenth time the regulations have been extended.

While pro-democracy groups claim that the state of emergency constitutes an admission of guilt by the government for the conditions that led to the riot, Police Minister Noble Siaosi’Aho says that the shooting of a businesswoman during an attempted robbery is what spurred the extension this time.  He also said police investigations revealed that some individuals still plan to incite unrest or to burn down business premises or government buildings.

For more information, please see:

Islands Business – Emergency regulations continue a year after destructive riots– 13 November 2007

Radio New Zealand International – Tongan minister says recent robbery a factor in emergency extension – 13 November 2007