Jury acquits Tongan MP of riot-related charges
Updated
In Tonga, a jury has acquitted pro-democracy MP, 'Isileli Pulu, of eight charges relating to the riots in the capital Nuku'alofa in 2006 which left eight people dead.
The jurors also found two co-accused, Sosefo 'Amone and Siosiua 'Ulutaufonua, not guilty on nine counts, including murder, arson, and endangering life.
The pair was alleged to have set the fire to the Shoreline office building in Nuku'alofa, where the eight died and Pulu was alleged to have been an accomplice.
In November 2006, Tonga declared a state of emergency and requested military reinforcements from regional powers, a day after youths went on a rampage in the capital demanding democratic reforms.
'Isileli Pulu has told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program, he felt sure he would be found not guilty.
"I wasn't really surprised because ... I knew the weaknesses among the the crown witnesses ... and i knew it was going to be okay and it didn't really surprise me at all," he said.
