7/30/07

ARSON CHARGE AGAINST HARDLINE TONGAN PROTESTOR DROPPED

Date: 26 July 2007

Auckland 6am: Tonga's most militant pro-democracy advocate has been cleared of arson charges related to the King's Epsom residence.

Ailani Taione has instead agreed to the charge of wilful damage for running his burning car through the gates of Atalaga.

Authorities have now dropped the arson charge.

But Taione says he's not dropping his campaign for reform for the Kingdom.

Taione says he'll now focus on supporting the PSA's pending strike as opposed to backing the Government's new tripartite committee on reform. (listen)

http://niufm.com/site_resources/library/News/Lito/A0_JUL2607/taione.............7am..............2677.mp3

The pro-democracy movement have three representatives on the tripartite committe, including Aikilisi Pohiva and Clive Edwards, but Taione doubts its authenticity. (listen)

http://niufm.com/site_resources/library/News/Lito/A0_JUL2607/taione_with_lito_second_clip.mp3


The hardline protestor last year ran his burning car through the gates of the King's Auckland residence, Atalaga, saying it was in protest at the elderly monarch, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, turning a blind eye to the pain of the people.

He was fined $500, plus court costs, earlier this week.

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