UPDATE ON TONGA: Alleged Riot Agitator Arrested

Tonga Now reports that a pro-reform supporter has been arrested for allegedly supplying fuel to those who set fire to buildings in Nuku’alofa. Witness say the ‘supporter’ orchestrated refuelling of petrol to rioting youths who made makeshift fire-bombs.

Tonga Now Report: Eye witness reports say that a Pangai Si’i supporter of the political reforms is in custody for alleged involvement in supplying fuel to the riots which set fire to buildings in Nuku’alofa’s central business district. The witness says that the ‘supporter’ orchestrated refuelling of petrol to rioting youth who used it as bombs. The ‘supporter’ was also seen at some of the arson sites.

A report from Fanga says that one of the riot ringleaders escaped attack when he walked up to a group of men asking for the arsons, unknowing the group he was addressing were not pro-demo supporters.

Evident in villages outside of the Proclaimed Areas is the show of community support for the Chinese. In an encouraging beacon of compassion, community watch groups have been informally established to secure Chinese shops from further arson attacks. Repeated attempts on remaining shops have gone awry due to neighbours alerting authorities early.

© Scoop Media