Tongan demonstrators break through police line
About 5,000 demonstrators broke through a police line in the Tonga capital, Nuku’alofa, this afternoon during a
pro-democracy march.
A stand-off between the police and the crowd developed when the protestors started the march nearly an hour earlier than
permitted.
The march, led by the National Reform Committee, was sparked by what protestors say is inaction following last year’s
protracted public servants’ strike.
Our correspondent, Mateni Tapueluelu, says the march began 2 kilometres out of the city centre.
“It gained momentum as they marched down to the palace office to present a petition to the Princess Regent making it
clear that 30 days from now if they don’t make any clear amendment to the constitution or clear political reform, then
they will start a civil disobedience.”
There were no arrests or injuries during the march.