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The chairman of the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) has been charged with sedition over the deadly riots that hit the South Pacific nation last November.
Sangstar Saulala, also the manager and main presenter of Tonga's Oceania Broadcasting Network (OBN), was arrested on Thursday and charged with crimes relating to the riots, which have crippled the economy.
Acting Police Commander Taniela Faletau today told the Matangi Tonga online news service that Sangstar has been charged with sedition, unlawful assembly and riot.
Sangstar spent Thursday in prison but was released on bail the following day, Taniela said.
OBN television ceased broadcasting following the November 16 riots of last year, which destroyed most of the business centre of the capital, Nuku'alofa.
A protest march which preceded the violence began at the OBN TV station, Matangi Tonga reported.
Most businesses in Nuku'alofa were destroyed during the unrest, and eight people died in fires started by rioters and looters.
The riots broke out amid fears the nation's parliament would delay democratic reforms, promised after the death of Tonga's long-serving monarch King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in September.
The damage bill has been estimated at A$88.5 million and Australia and New Zealand are actively involved in efforts to help the nation recover.
More than 100 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.
- AAP
