By Norm Dixon
Just weeks after the release from prison of pro-democracy campaigner and popular parliamentarian 'Akilisi Pohiva and deputy editor of the Times of Tonga Filokalafi 'Akau'ola, Tonga's government has again detained the two as well as another MP, Tesina Fuko. The three were detained by police on November 15, charged with sedition for their pro-democracy activism.
Pohiva, Fuko and 'Akau'ola were arrested after newspaper articles were published calling for greater democracy in Tonga. The articles reportedly criticised the power of the king and his economic policies. Tonga is ruled by a monarch. A token parliament exists, but just nine members are elected by the people while 21 are appointed by King Taufa 'ahau Tupou IV and his traditional representatives in the villages.
While 'Akau'ola was released soon after being detained, Pohiva and Fuko spent the night in jail and were interrogated on November 16 before being released. Tonga's attorney general, Tevita Tupou, says that he will examine the MPs' records of interview before deciding whether the charges will be pursued.
Pohiva and 'Akau'ola, as well as Times of Tonga (Taimi 'o Tonga) editor Kalafi Moala, were imprisoned on September 19 by the parliament for contempt after details of a censure motion against a government minister were leaked to the Times of Tonga before it had been discussed in parliament. They served three weeks of a four-week sentence. The jailings provoked protests from media workers' organisations throughout the Pacific.
The latest jailings have been condemned by Pacific Media Watch, an independent group of journalists and academics monitoring censorship and media freedom issues, and Amnesty International.
Green Left Weekly readers can protest the detentions and harassment of the Tongan democracy movement by sending letters to: Prime Minister Baron Vaea, Prime Minister's Office, Hala Taufa'ahau Kolofo'ou, Kingdom of Tonga, or fax them to: (676) 23 888.