Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Wednesday/Thursday, November 29/30, 2006
Nuku’alofa – It was raining for most of Wednesday and Thursday morning so we didn’t do all the things we had planned for. We talked to people about the brutality in the prisons and met three men who were beaten by soldiers. A woman told us how her neighborhood protected Chinese shops from being destroyed on Thursday, 16th November and an IMC activist was almost arrested outside the Nuku’alofa prison/police station.
”Hit in the face with the back of a gun”
We met two young men, scars and bruises covered their faces. Sione and Semisi were arrested a few days ago by the army. “A soldier hit me in the face and in the eye with the back of his gun. We were drinking and the soldiers came and hit all the guys. We were put in a van like an animal and taken to prison. I was in prison for 3 days. There was little food and water in prison. The toilet was very bad. The smell in the prison is not good. We were not charged. We were taken outside but they did not give us a ticket or a charge. We were told to stay home and not do something. I was not in town during the riots. I was at work.” So the soldiers beat you and arrested you for no reason? “Yes.” What are you going to do now? “We want to lay charges and we want to change the government.” Did you know the soldiers who were beating you? “I only know their faces, not their names.”
A taxi driver told us about his neighbor who spent a night in prison. Uiaka, a Tongan living in Auckland, was arrested on Friday night. “We tried to go to a club and that soldier stopped us; giving us a hiding; take us to jail and they sent me back the following day.” Uaika was in a taxi with his cousin. He pointed at a soldier at the side of the road with his hands and jokingly said “Bang Bang”. The soldier beat them both. Two police were standing there doing nothing. Uika was hit in the mouth, one tooth will probably have to come out, and his cousin got a black eye. “They did that for nothing. We just came to Tonga for a good time and this is what’s happening!” Can you tell us what it was like in prison? “It’s like hell! We only got a piece of bread and drink some cold water – that’s it. The conditions of the prison – I dunno – I have never seen anything like that before.” Uiaka was not charged with anything either. “The prison was full. Heaps of people.” He said the cell would normally take around eight people but there were 28 in his cell.
On our way out of town we talk to some Tongan soldiers at a checkpoint. Some people have said that people who arrested were beaten with guns. Is it true? “Who said that?” Some people. Clive Edwards said that. “Beaten by who?” By soldiers. […] Did you help the police arrest people? “Yeah.” Did you beat people? “Sometimes.” How do you beat them? “In their faces.” With your gun? “Yeah.” Are they bleeding? (Nods) Do you take them to hospital? “No, just to prison.”
Clive Edwards: “I objected to the NZ troops coming here right from the start”
We interviewed Clive Edwards, a Representative of the People in parliament. “In a situation which was ignited by suppression of people over a period of time and denial of their normal rights of freedom, to be able to have self-determination rather, and been subjected to dictatorial rule, which is what is going on in this country in the form of government that is constitutional, which constitutes and commands it, but it’s protecting a system where you have very limited rights of self-determination and get those in authority to be accountable to the people. And that’s the problem here.” “The riots are a result of frustration and of denial of what the people have wanted for a long time. People have been petitioning, marching, protesting over a period of 18 months.” “We have reached the point of no return.” “I objected to the NZ troops coming here right from the start. […] The New Zealand troops are coming here to curtail those who are starving for democratic government. […] The military are now being brutal and beating people up. And New Zealand and Australia are going to be associated with that type of conduct by this government, a despotic government? That’s non-sense! And I think New Zealand and Australia should go back.”
IMC activist almost gets arrested for filming outside the prison!
I was filming outside the Nuku’alofa police station which is also the prison. We had just finished interviewing the Prime Minister’s political advisor Lopeti Senitulu and I went around the corner and was around 30 meters away from the police station entrance and filming. They were brining in young people who had been arrested. A soldier came running towards me and grabbed me. A van-load of NZ cops drove past and I yelled “Help! This soldier is arresting the media!” but they just kept on driving (no surprises there). He pulled me across the road towards the prison. More soldiers were standing around there. He asked me what I was doing, how I got into the city centre and I said “I’m media! Here is my pass! We just interviewed Lopeti.” He said he didn’t care and used his communication device to ask his boss what to do with me. He yelled at me saying I was not allowed to film in town and I said that I was media and that I was allowed to film in town. Then he said I was not allowed to film outside the prison and I said I did not know that. He then decided that I had to delete the footage I took from outside the prison. “I’m a technician, I will do it.” I said that I would do it myself and he kept on holding on to me as I was recording over the 30 seconds of film I got from outside the prison. So why do you want me to delete it? “You know the way. You have to get permission.” But I have permission! “To take photo, everything?” Yes. “No.” Why not? “I called them and they said no.”
The neighborhood protects Chinese stores
A woman told me how she experienced the riots about 1km from the city centre. She was at home with her family when people came into her street and tried to loot and burn down four shops, some of which were operated by Chinese people. She said a lot of people stood in front of the shops to protect them. They managed to persuade people not to burn the shops because it would have destroyed people’s houses too. Only one shop was looted and none were burnt.
Down at the waterfront, we briefly talked to a Tongan woman and a Chinese man at a Chinese restaurant. The windows of that restaurant were smashed during the riots but they have already been replaced. The man thought that some Tongans don’t like Chinese. The Tongan woman agreed and said that a small minority of Tongans don’t like them.
My views on Thursday’s event (very briefly)
After seeing downtown Nuku’alofa and talking to various people, I think the riot’s roots lie in the people’s deep frustration and anger with the government, the nobles, the King and the feudal system as a whole. The riots were targeting government buildings, companies owned by the PM, King and his family and outside the city centre some Chinese and Indian shops as well as shops and companies owned by the King were targeted. In the city centre, most shops were looted and destroyed and many burnt down (ie. every shop was targeted). I do think that there are some anti-Chinese exponents amongst democracy supporters, particularly in the ‘business community’. They say they are angry at the King’s ‘undemocratic approval’ of 400 Chinese immigrants over night. The suggestion of an ‘ethnic conflict’, as presented by some of the mainstream/capitalist media, (a) downplays the widely held disgust with the current system (and therefore plays in the hand of the ruling class), and (b) is far from the truth because most Tongan people are friendly, or at least not unfriendly, towards Chinese immigrants. (I will have to do a lot more thinking and transcribe all the tapes to come up with a deeper and more extensive analysis of the situation in Tonga.)
More interviews
We interviewed Michael McBryde (the NZ High Commissioner), Kaufo’ou Amato (the treasurer of the Friendly Islands Human Rights and Democracy Movement), Lopeti Senituli (political advisor of the Prime Minister and member of the FIHRDM) and Latu Kolomatangi (involved in the Catholic Church and the pro-democracy movement). We haven’t had time to go through all the interviews; just a couple of soundbites.
McBryde said: “This [the riots] was a total breakdown of law and order in the central city area and what you call ‘harsh measures’ with checkpoints and the exclusion zone seemed to us to be a reasonable response to a situation of near anarchy in the central city area. The Tongan Defence Service did a great job in restoring order to the central city.” He blamed pro-democracy leaders for the destruction of Nuku’alofa. He also thought it was “simplistic view” to say that NZ troops were in Tonga to enforce the laws and orders of a feudal and un-democratic system which oppresses its own people. I agree; it is pretty simple.
Latu on the other hand said that: “[On Thursday] I was thinking ‘How many years did the business people get from the poor?’ I think on that day it was the day of the poor people to get their share from the business people. Seeing people enjoying taking goods out of the shops and burning them made me think of the poor and how they get their share from the business people. For years they collect from the poor. Thursday is a day for the poor to take their share from them.”
NZ soldiers located outside Westpac
I finally found some NZ soldiers in Tonga. One of their wagons was parked outside the Westpac Bank inside the ‘restricted’ area of Nuku’alofa. Three soldiers were sitting in the back and one was outside talking to a bank staff member. Here is our brief conversation: (to a soldier sitting in the wagon) How has it been for you? Had a good time? “Yup.” What did you get up to? (The ‘boss’ intervenes’.) “Go talk to the boss for a second.” (The boss) “Is this on?” Yep. “Just don’t film anything inside the wagon.” Why is that? “Just coz, security reasons.” (I keep on filming.) Do you want to tell me what kind of things you have been up to? “Nah.” Why not? “Coz, the story is finished really.” When are you guys leaving? “Dunno.” Are you guys not so into the media? “Ah no, we are. Just, uhm, organised media. Media that has been arranged.” (Writes down my name on my Media pass and they drive off.)
Thank you!
A big THANK YOU to the people from the Friendly Islands Human Rights and Democracy Movement! Thanks so much to everybody we were able to talk to here in Tonga! Thank you to the people at our guesthouse – we had an amazing time at your place. Thanks to people in Aotearoa who helped with contacts (people from Oxfam, CID, NDU, the anarchist community in Wellington, Indymedia and Dev-Zone), thanks for the equipment (Kotahi Te Ao, Wellington anarchists and IMC Wellington) and thanks to the wider IMC community for the help with feature writing and support.
ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
photos: slm
text: smush
And on a not so political note: We scored a ration-pack!
Being a vegetarian in Tonga is somewhat tricky. We have been living on local fruit and 2-minute noodles which we brought over from Aotearoa. slm is not a big fan of Tongan water and smush eats around a ton of bananas a day. The Australian Defence Force turned into an unexpected food supply. After some small-talk with four Australian soldiers (“You guys lost the footy on Saturday!” Huh, did ‘we’?) at a checkpoint in central Nuku’alofa, we were offered an army ration-pack! Our eyes lit up – ah, the ADF is not only out to oppress the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, the Solomons, Timor, Bougainville and Tonga; they are keen supporters of indymedia activists! Tea-bags, more 2-minute noodles, weird lollies, M+Ms, mixed berry fruit grains and a can of pears, and something red, processed and claiming to be sausages and vegetables.
Comments
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Absolutely awesome reporting! I've only really come to understand the situation in Tonga because of your reports.
Cam
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Clive Edwards
He is a joke, a liar, a theff, and swindler of man kind. For a time longer than I can remember he was the Minister of Police. While he held that office he is guilty of every crime that he accuses others in government of doing.
He used his position to extort money from local people and overseas business men by making deals and turning his head the right or the wrong way. Then he makes angry the past administration and they kick him out of government. So now he has no job, then he sees his chance to gain some favor and position by representing the democratic movement.
I say to you Clive Edwards when you were doing all those bad things like ordering your togan Police Squad to beat people it was ok for you, you did do that and yoou and I know it so does many other Togans. You should SHAM YOURSELF, you are a glory seeking ATTORNEY, that has no morals or thoought for anyone unless you can profit from it.
If you are so upset with the things around you then donate some of your money to help others, I mam sure your NZ law practice has made plenty from the Togan people there in NZ.
You lie and try to look good but deep inside I know you have a second agenda, what poisition of power are you trying to scheme on under a new government. Lepoards do not change their spots nor do you, you are who you are and that will not change. THE PEOPLE OF TONGA HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU, we are not that stupid we are only using you for what we need then when we are done, you will be punished for all that you have done for so many years to us Minister Edwards, you mata-usi.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
'Osi taimi ke mimi e kau feinga liliu ko'ena........'oua e toe fakamolemole'i ha hia...ta ke 'alu e ta'e kitu'a........koe fie fahifahi kae 'ikai lava 'o fiekovi.....koe me'a pe ia 'e hoko ki he kakai angakovi koe lavealavea.....'oku 'ikai ke tau toe loto ke fai ha fakamolemole he kuo mole e mo'ui he tamate 'a e kakai ko'eni.........faka'ofa e si'i kakai na'e 'ikai kenau kau ki he me'a ni...'enau popula ka koe me'a pe ia 'oku holi kiai e fanga valekaita'e......
Re: Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrest
Vale ta'e akonaki'i kikila kife ho'o fa'ee ka ke ha'u 'o lea kapekape he media. 'Ai mo 'ai ha me'a ho 'utoo moe valengangau
Fakamaama
Re: Re: Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost ar
Hey Fakamaama...'oua teke fie poto na'a tuku e 'ai lelei ia kau tuki 'e au koe ke pihi ho mimi...kota
Re: Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrest
'Ai mo faka'esia ho'o leaa moe vale ta'eakonaki'i..'ai ai moe 'ikai mimi atu ho'o fa'ee hono ta 'e he kau rioters pe 'oku kikila ia ki fe ka ke anga'imanu he media.
Fakamaama
Re: Re: Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost ar
Hey 'oku 'ikai keke kau koe he fakatonutonu'i mai au......tapali.
Tokanga koe ki ho ngaue kae tuku ho fiepoto...pea tuku e lau mai ia na'a ku mimi au ho ngutu pea ke kai e ta'e ho kuli....
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almos
Tapali lahi taha pe ho'o mum...Pea ke 'Ofa mai mimi he ngutu ho tuofefinee/tuonga'anee he tena ifo'ia 'aupito naua ai.. pea 'ai ho ta'ee ke kai 'e ho'o fa'ee mo ho'o tamaii kena si'i kilisimasi..koe ta'e 'oe kulii teke ma'u leva ia 'e koe ke ke new year e..malie ee..'osi homou katoanga kai koenaa pea toki vakai pe teke toe fie lea he media pe teke fakakaukau ke ke 'alu 'o fai ha ki'i ako ke fakamaama atu...'oua e kakaha mai ena ..'iui'i
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist a
Hey tuku 'ena ia moe ifo...he teu kai ai 'e au e tungaiku ho dad pea taufale'i mo e mata'i.... ho mum....kae amo ange kapau teu 'emo ho walawala eeeeeeee...
Fefe kapau teu toe 'emo mo ho kui...'ouaaa koe kalasi ia 'oku ou lama....hehehe..Pea kole ange ki ho tuo fefine/tuongaange mo koe ke mou threesome....pea kapau 'oku ke 'ata koe pea ki'i hoka'i ange au....hehehe
Mahalo pe kuo mahino atu ka kuo taimi pe keke tokanga aa koe ki ho me'a noa'ia 'oku fai kae tuku a e hange ha finematu'a...coz i got nothin else to do but just fucken sits infront of the internet every fucken day....
So i can fucken say shit load of notes about your fucken life...fuck face
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Clive Edwards
He is a joke, a liar, a theff, and swindler of man kind. For a time longer than I can remember he was the Minister of Police. While he held that office he is guilty of every crime that he accuses others in government of doing.
He used his position to extort money from local people and overseas business men by making deals and turning his head the right or the wrong way. Then he makes angry the past administration and they kick him out of government. So now he has no job, then he sees his chance to gain some favor and position by representing the democratic movement.
I say to you Clive Edwards when you were doing all those bad things like ordering your togan Police Squad to beat people it was ok for you, you did do that and yoou and I know it so does many other Togans. You should SHAM YOURSELF, you are a glory seeking ATTORNEY, that has no morals or thoought for anyone unless you can profit from it.
If you are so upset with the things around you then donate some of your money to help others, I mam sure your NZ law practice has made plenty from the Togan people there in NZ.
You lie and try to look good but deep inside I know you have a second agenda, what poisition of power are you trying to scheme on under a new government. Lepoards do not change their spots nor do you, you are who you are and that will not change. THE PEOPLE OF TONGA HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU, we are not that stupid we are only using you for what we need then when we are done, you will be punished for all that you have done for so many years to us Minister Edwards, you mata-usi.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
well what goes around comes around. if u want to be a rioter smashimg windows,burnin houses affecting innocent workers of our city of love (nuku'alofa), rifle butts represents the hurt we feel.
former kolomu'a resident
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
You are rite man....wat goes around comes around....they deserve to be beaten up like shit.....
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
After reading all the articles on this matter, one question remains unanswered.
Why did it take the Tongan Defence Force 24+ hours to drive or walk the 400 meters to the city?
News reports from the Manangi Tonga says that 2 young girls were able to defend off 300+ rioters and looters from 4:00pm Thursday until the Tongan Defence Troops came at 9:00pm Friday night.
The distance from the headquarters of the TDF (Tongan Defence Force) and the Liquor shop near the centre of town that these 2 girls defended, was a distance of only 600 meters.
Other reports say that neighbours in Kolomotu'a and inner areas were able to band together to fend discourage looters and arsonists. Soon after the riots broke out.
So if a 2 young girls can defend a liquor shop against 300+ drunken looters, why couldn't the Tongan defence force??
If unarmaed and untrained locals can arrange themselves and band together to defend against looters and arsonists within a few hours- why can't the police and TDF?
Why were the TDF abd police not called to protect? Why did they not cordon off the city until the following day?
What about the police force?
There is 450 Tongan Army Defence Soliders. Some of them served in Irak as Royal Marines.
I find this disturbing that neither the defence force was called in, nor the police to cordon off and protect the buildings.
Pangai-si'i had been occupied for weeks prior. Speeches were aparently obnoxious and the final act of the PM's supermerket being stoned, still did nothing to start the "Alarm Bells" ringing.
Why?
The Matangi Tonga reports that it took over 24 hours for the Troops to cordon off the central town area.
Why did it take so long?
Why didin't the PM issue a state of Emergency BEFORE hand?
Why the delay?
How many businesses would have been saved if action was taken?
Did the PM intend for the rioters to continue unhindered to provide a mandate for the removal of his political opponents?
Did the PM sacrifice businesses for his own political security?
Its certainly looking that way...
There is something more here that meets the eye.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Defence is under directive from the Defence Board and His Majesty. The police duties is to fight criminals and uphold the rule of law. If they cannot able to they should request assistance from the defence, hence it then must be approved by His Majesty and Defence Board. This law and process is designed to protect Tongan people and government from unconstitutionally taken over Defence. We don't want situation like Fiji now. Anyway, POlice hesitated and everything was too late. Everyone admitted there is a flaw in the process and something will be done about it to make sure it will never happen again. We all learn from our mistakes. Don't blame the defence and the police. Blame those who throw fuel bombs, rocks at buildings and those who supply alcohol, rock, timber and to the riots.
Think of it at home. IF you steal something from your brother you will get a slap from your mother. Do you blame your mother for not feeding you as she didn't know you were hungry or you who is doing the stealing?
I hope it answer your questions
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
The Defence Force can not move in until the Police request it. Once that is done normally stragies planned,that logistic, action plan pack up recall of personell from the villages & camps etc so is a well executed action to take place
NO one ever believe that anything like that will ever happen- - so we must thanks our Police & Defence Force for restoring order and maintaining a civil society
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
I am a former Officer of the Tonga Defence Services. The conflict between the police and the defence has been there for many many years. Even before we're born. It is the duty of the police to respond to these matters and ONLY under Martial Law that the Defence will act accordingly. But if the police had put aside their pride and called the Defence it would have solved many of your answers.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
I'm afraid you have been totally sucked in..your time in Tonga was obviously wasted because you dont even know the real situation...you have adopted the views of Clive Edwards ( a professional shit stirrer) and a group of criminals...you dont realise that Tongans are good at fooling foreigners and those boys obviously enjoyed the attention you were giving them..they made full use of the opportunity to give you an exaggerated version of the story...so they were drinking innocently when soldiers pulled up and started beating them??? sure they were beaten but they aint innocent either! Abuse is done to innocent people..its good that these criminals are being beaten up...I only wish that the demo leaders could be beat up too..and that the prisoners not be given any food..they shouldnt be eating for free in prison while the people suffering from their riot are now also having to pay high prices for food! Some advice for you my friend...go back to TOnga and report on the real victims!
Athol GReentree
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
who in the fuck are you to come here and judge how we in the former friendly islands do business?...your bloody white skin doesn't give you the right!
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
I hear that this palangi chap was molesting and sexually abusing his "sources" that had lead to them having swollen eyes and blackened skin. We do not like pedophiles making use of Black Thursday to exert abuse on young Tongan boys.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
i think that this was the white guy who was given a pass with the name MATA MENE on it. so how is mene up to now? i wish u are still around now so i'll upgrade u to a nicer moniker.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
i think that this was the white guy who was given a pass with the name MATA MENE on it. so how is mene up to now? i wish u are still around now so i'll upgrade u to a nicer moniker.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Been sucked in fools. The report are all about directing the focus away from the PRO DEMOLITION Group mess up on the 16th. Army all over the world have rule of engagement which authorise them to use the appropriate FORCE. So a black eye is much better then a bullet hole in the head.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Damn you right...
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
great reporting
POWER TO THE PEOPLE OF TONGA
DOWN THE MATA MENE KING AND PILOLEMU
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
'a'ena ia ho fa'ee
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Mata mene 'ena ia he pali ho fa'e mo ho'o tu'ofafine.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Tangata loto lahi mo'oni ko koe ke ke tohi mai ha lea ta'e fe'unga koia…… Mahalo 'oku ke fa'a kai 'e koe 'a e siko ho tamai…ke lava nai ke lea pehe atu ha taha ka koe….koe ha na'e fu'u lahi e mene ia ho fa'e 'oku 'ita pehe ai…pe na'e fu'u palaku faufaua ia…hehehehe
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
COLONISATION By MEDIA
The NZ media have been on a mission to Colonise Tonga with their Palangi/Pakeha power of print/TV/Web
It is very sad for people like you who run to Tonga with your own palangi self interest/ideas/phylosophy to impose it on Tonga.
Tonga servive Colonisation by forces during the 19th Century with the establishment of a Constitutional Monarchy, a Constitution and a Government that have allowed Tongan to rule and run the Country by ourself till to-day. The outcome is according to the UN Human Development Index report- SEpt 2006 Tonga is categorised " High Human Development together with Australia(2) and NZ(20). The only Pacific Island to be ranked together with the Developed Countries.Tonga(54) is ranked much higher than Medium HD Samoa ( 74) and Fiji (92)
You have no idea of the situation, life and the local economy we have in Tonga. I grew up in Tonga in a village for about 40yrs go farming fishing climb coconuts (your so call poor)!! sorry we are not poor !! and so understand the whole system
All Tongan have the same opportunity as the Nobles, Royal Family to live,work,education or become rich such that some Tongan ( commoners) are richer & better educated than the Royal Family or Nobles by just pure hard work.You get what you work for as is in NZ
Tongan have better opportunity to make a good living because the means ( resources) to make a living are given free ( land) once its yours & registered it will be yours and your family for ever. Cf British system was there ever a mass distribution of land by the Nobles to the common people free??? or the Queen of England as is in Tonga ( I and my brother was given 8 acres each and town plot by the late KIng free!!!). The Bill of right for the Tongan - are free to do what he likes dispose of his property, lives etc
In the NZ case the Whiteman/Pakeha/Palangi systemtically rob the Maori of their land, Treaty of Waitangi, varies laws etc till the Maori have virtually nothing. In the Last few years NZ have been trying to compensate & return some of the Maori rightful right to land and other resources
You as a journalist and your small little mind should stay in NZ because you can not see beyond your nose. I as a Tongan & the majority of our people do not want you in Tonga or what you want to impose in Tonga WE DO nOT NEED YOU.
We can do it our self. We know what democracy is and we can achieve it peacefully.
Some of us have lived overseas in democracies for over 10 years & work in senior position its not all that wonderful is it, with constant corruption scandal occurring!!!! Some of us have also work for the Tongan Government and unfortunately for you thousands of honest, authentic, hard working people who are doing their job and they love working in Tonga - and who are you to turn around and call all these people corrupt???? Is it because the Pakeha/Palangi are corrupt themselves that they think the Tongan are all corrupt - SORRY NO!!
Something for the road - just leave Tonga to the Tongan
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
The essence of your reporting is just totally onesided bro. Your report just hit the toilet when you interviewed Clive Edwards. All I can say is that the government got worse when he was in control. What happen is a result of his time in office. He was the former PM's advisor and Minister of Police. The Police force was going from respectable unit to worse. You should talk to the officers that have left. Now he is out he has gladly washed his hands and point the finger at others. . The guy you photographed probably got his black eye from getting bashed by his father for bringing stolen goods home from the riot. The cuts may be from flying broken glasses. I dont think it is the day of the poor. It is the day of the idiots. Why dont you report on the innocent people who have lost their livelihood. Thats the human tradegy here. Thats a human right abuse, isnt it. Those taken to police stations are still innocent until they are proven in a court of law. And you should know if the police is coming to get you...hell you better not try any smart comments because the force will bring some big ass whipping with them. Your ignorant ass went filmming where you had not any authority to do so. You were lucky the army did not throw you in jail. IF they had...your report would have been very different...alot of aches and pain (a different abuse altogether). And please dont interview Clive again he is as fat as his lies are.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
I couldn't agree with you more bro.... very well said!!
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Every government is corrupt. But if these Pro=-democracy got hold of power, I can almost see how more corrupt they would be. Some of the Pro-democracy members have businesses and may use the power they would gain for their business advantage. To name a few of them is Uliti Uata a Rep of Ha'apai. I cannot support the Black Thursday and whatever happened to those thugs in prison was well deserved
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Mr reporter who ever you are. May be you should have been put on the spot when the looting and burning was happenning. Your probably shit yourself. May be you will realise that these thugs deserves what they are getting from the Tongan army. Hope the Tongan army is beating the shit out of them. What about the number of people that are currently out of job and are suffering financially from the event of Black Thursday? Have you ever come to grip with reality yet and think of these people? May be you should have been looted and have your house and personal belongings burnt and then you will wake up to see what these people are feeling. Your a damn bloody ediot. You are a disgrace to the media as your opinion is biased and is based on Clive's view.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Tonga does need political change. but is stealing, looting and burning down innocent business the right change???
the "peoples representatives" supported this craziness and out of control stupidity because they claim that the current government has been unfair to the people of Tonga. Well how fair is it for 80% of the town to burned down? Yes some of those businesses are owned by the nobles and higher-ups, but many are not. Many are owned by hard working non-titled individuals trying to make a living. Additionally all those business employed "ordinary" tongans--the "commoners" Now even more Tongans will be out of work and have less money to support their families.
Which brings me to what i believe is the REAL reason for the riots--- young men without jobs! There are way too many young men in Tonga that do not have jobs and who do not seek out ways to keep themselves busy. "idle hands are the devil's workshop"
Don't fool yourselves and think that these riots were based on pure motives by individuals seeking to improve the peoples' voice in government! These riots were planned and instigated by individuals who were willing to use the frustration and the quest for excitment of bored young men to further their own plot for power!
Tonga needs RESPONSIBLE change. Not this selfish, arrogant and dangerous power grab by the so called "Demos".
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
I think that this report is not far from what real journalists call Self-fulfillment prophecy.Why didn't interview those you are sufereing because of Nov.16th. Did you care to look at that side or the Chinese or say the tonfon staff who risked his life to save three of his co-workers out from the burning building before jumping and broke his leg and a half burnt body. Please pack you stuff and leave as you are a disgrace to .
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
What had happens in Tonga politically doest not justify any looting and destroying other peoples property. I was there and it breaks my heart seeing people stealing and completely ingnore the rules and thought that they would get away with murder, arsonist and stealing. What is the relationship between political movement and that of the Chinese businessess??? Isnt is just evil hearts and greed??? A total shame to you all and to mums and dads who encourage their kids to do so and when it comes to Sabbath you put on your best clothes and went to church...What a shame???
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
WHO CARES ABOUT YOUR REPORTING? YOU KNOW THAT YOU WHITE PEOPLE LOOTED AND EXPLOITED THE PARADISES OF THE WORLD (INCLUDING THE PACIFIC) SO THAT EUROPE, AMERICA, ETC. GAINED ECONOMICALLY AND GREEDILY. YOU EVEN LOOTED AOTEAROA FROM THE MAORIS AND AUSTRALIA FROM THE ABORIGINES. YOU WHITE MEAT. GO AND TRY TO RIGHT WHAT YOUR ANCESTORS HAVE DONE IN DAMAGING THE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD BEFORE YOU COME HERE AND MAKE A SHIT OUT OF YOUR FACE. YOU SHIT FACE.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
I feel that all you guys who commented on this subjec you all have a point. Maybe you guys would a better job of running tonga. I didnt mean that in an insulting way but all youre experiances and trials could help the people of tonga recover. I only pray that god is with them all. I was born in tonga, and hearing these news brakes my heart. As a tongan teen living in the u.s. i feel homesick but hearin about this makes me scared of tongas future.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Do not worry my friend we are going back to help rebuild Tonga. I grew up in Tonga and my heart goes out to the people that is why I am going back. You are a good level headed person & that is what we need. We all can help even morally is fine. We need level headed Tongan people to come together even by the internet so that we can combine each of our skills to build our little "Paradise" hope one day we might be able to do that - What a country we will build if we can do that
Malo moe faka'apa'apa
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
To the Tngan defense force: You fucking bitches faggots. Beating up on poor innoncent people. Do you really think the shithead ordering you gives a fuck about you? FUCK NO. So think twice when you start beating up on innoncent people? Go fuck yourself. LEMU
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Just Don't fuck with soldiers, they are not politicians, they are trained killing machines. They don't listen to shit politicians.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Just Don't fuck with soldiers, they are not politicians, they are trained killing machines. They don't listen to shit politicians.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
malo
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
To the reporter,
At this time of serious tension, when a country is thrown into a state of chaos like never before, where the TDS and every other law enforcer is experiencing this situation for the first time, you run around with your camera searching for sensational news?
The taxi driver and his mate were just one of a few people goading the soldiers. To point and say bang bang is the stupidest joke anyone could make - especially after young children and even women pointed toy guns at soldiers and were warned repeatedly on the radio to stop because the guns were loaded and soldiers were instructed to shoot. That is the atmosphere of fear and insecurity that you should have reported.
Like the comment posted earlier - abuse is done on the innocent. Punishment is done to the guilty.
Lastly, I live in Tonga, I work in Tonga, I have followed the events before and after Nov 16 closely. There are a host of reasons why Nov 16 happened, and you don't discover that and make a statement with your reason by speaking with a bunch of people over a couple of days.
This report reminds me of the Center for Women & Children one released a few days ago on the apparently "systematic" abuse by Police and Defence of prisoners after the riot. It was terribly one-sided, it quoted so much heresay and "anecdotal" accounts relayed three persons down a Chinese whispers chain, yet felt this enough to condemn Gov's actions. The author turned out to be an Australian volunteer working at the center who didn't even have the CWC's approval when he sent the report off to Gov. Don't try and play God. I am not 100% pro-Gov. But think twice before you make your high and mighty observations.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Kiate au mo'eku 'ilo mahalo pe 'oku 'ikai keu tui au ia kiha fa'ahi ka kou tui mahalo pe 'oku tonu ketau vakai kuo taimi ke vave pe ha'ele mai hotau fkmo'ui pea koe ha ha tau me'a 'e toe fai kuo 'osi e me'a kotoa sai ange ketau vakai hotau ngaahi fale pea vakai 'etau mo'ui pe 'oku kei tonu ketau fai e ngaahi me'a koai pe 'ikai he fonua ne tuku ki langi kuo hoko ia koe fonua kuo kakaha hange ko heli .. malo e fklotolahi moe ngaahi lea lahi pea kau atu kia moe lea ta'efe'unga ka kou kole fkmolemole atu pe kiate kimoutolu koe lotu pe tene lava koe tohi atu 'eni ia mei he feitu'u mama'o mei Tonga ka kou fk'amu pe 'e hoko e me'a kotoa pe koha me'a ketau tokanga pea tau foki ke vave kia Sisu he kuo ofi 'ene foki mai ..mau 'ofa lahi atu kiate kimoutolu mei India 'oku mau fkpaea he feinga moe lotu ma hotau fonua ke kei finangalo lelei mai 'a langi 'o fkfonu 'aki e tapuaki kehekehe pea fktonutonu e halanga kotoa pe ke lelei pea ma'uma'uluta e nofo ...May GOD Bless Tonga forever
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
I beleive that some of the soldiers in Tonga did abuse some of these men. We cannot rule the fact that they did, because the police and the army force in Tonga did this for so many years. They must treat the people with respect and also fair with those until proven guilty and they will pay for the consequences. I still hate to see people miss treated, if you treat them fair, kind and love and you will have it in return. and that's the brolem in Tonga.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Clive koe siana fakatu'utamaki he 'oku hange ha feke fakalanulanu 'ikai ke mahino koe tafa'aki pe 'e fonu ai hono kato koe tafa'aki ia 'e kau kiai kuo taimi ke 'ave 'a Clive 'o tafa
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
mooni lahi..hanga he kau demo ni fkkuihi mata kakai ke nau fai e fahi moe tutu pea osi koia pea nau toi ki tafaaki kae hange fonua ha tuunga ta'..ikai ke nau pehe mai koe haa e mate kakai moe mea hoko he fonua.osi taimi ke mai nautolu ave hifi mea fafangaki kuli..
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Ask Clive Edwards about his massive abuses of humans rights when he was police commissioner, rather want to be dictator. Don't be fooled by power hungry wolves in sheep's clothing ("Pro-demos") These democrats have given nothing and taken the lives of their own supporters. Your naivety is impressive.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Prison Guards & Policemen, are not new at abusing prisoners, but that is the only tool they have to get information to what the prisoners are accused of. Though many times they wrongly accuse the wrong people, the leaders of the goverment, need to spend time and effort in new ways to build a good relation with the people, so that information may be intrusted to them. The Goverment is too busy living the high life of pride & feasting off the poor... Ezekiel..talks about to many parallels with this whole event...meaning the care giver is feasting on the poor, and now it's famine after the feast...the goverment (sheepherders) needs to feed it's sheeps, or the sheep will not produce the goods...and when there are no more sheeps...who will they govern? all thats left is left is a lost world, fighting for some resolution to an old problem... Especially when we have too many that don't know true philisophical reason, for the true vine...John 15...love.. Tongaizfun..
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Amen
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Abuse in Tonga should be stop and should have taken to justice.My brother in law had died from the same abuse that those above have mentioned for no reason. Innocent people were hurt, beaten and abused...From my point of view where were the soldiers and police in time or riot...they didn`t do their job...they just watched, took pictures and also encouraged those mob to finished off what they did and go home( from an eye witness).They didn`t prepare at all what they`re supposed to be...its too late what they did now, that anger and hatred inside them have turned into an abusive environment in prison.Power/ authority ruled and innocent people struglled...no matter what a crime may seems, brutal or not but that`s what law have bind us of! those abusive behavior, even cause death should be brought into justice.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Tongans everywhere are still coming to grips with the reality of 16/11. Its time now to look ahead as christmas draws near and a new begining is at hand. Let justice prevail. We cannot change what has happened but we sure can make tomorrow a better place for our families. That the events of 16/11 shall never happen again. The good Lord says 'he who has no sin cast the first stone'. I think the pointing of fingers should stop, even this reporter that I am not happy with his reporting. But lets not be bogged down and be sadden. We must get up but not forget. The training manuals of the Police needs reviewing. If there are abuses bring those responsible to justice. But we should all remember that we have never had this kind of violence before. The cup have overflowed with hatred and greed. For everything else shall come to past. And the Lord that we believe in shall grant us serenity and peace to move ahead. Tu'u tama Tonga ho koloa ke fakamonu, Lotu ki he Eiki ma'u ai pe. Ko hotau fakaleleianga ia. My love to you all. Peace!!
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Ko 'etau sio atu kia Clive 'oku hange koe lau me'a fakamole sio mo'oni, koe tangata kovi pea mo mio'i, na'a tau fa'a 'ita lahi 'i he'ene ngaahi to'onga na'e fai 'i he falealea, ka 'oku 'ikai pe tuku 'ene me'a 'oku fai, pea pehe kia 'Akilisi, 'oku 'ikai teu toe fie sio au ia ki hono mata he taumaia ko e mole ko 'eni 'eku ngaue tene 'omai ha fo'ima ke mau 'inasi ai mo hoku famili, hala'ata he kuo ne 'osi lea ia 'i hono faka'eke'eke 'e he ngaahi letio mei muli 'oku hala ke kau ia ki he ngaahi fakamoveuveu na'e hoko pea kuo heke holo hange ha feke kae faka'ofa 'a e kakai ia.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
WELL ITS OUT ON THE RADIO TONGA THAT THE REPORT WAS NOT ENDORSED BY THE ORGANISATION SO THE AUTHOR, A KIWI RELEASE IT WITHOUT THE COORDINATORS AND BOARD APPROVAL.GOOD EXCUSE!!
THIS REPORT WAS SUSPICIOUS FROM THE BEGINNING AS THERE WAS NO NAME ON IT. THE COORDINATOR, MS PALEI IS ALSO THE DAUGTHER OF THE FAIFEKAU WHO SAID PRAYER AT PANGAISI'I BEFORE THE MOB WAS LET LOOSE ON NUKU'ALOFA.
Hey osi hoomou kataki?Oku ou tui pe oku osi.
Hey guys. Oku ikai koe mea mahuinga ia ketau o mai o tohi kapekape mo lau kia hai he net. Kataki pe naa ku ou fiepoto. Ikai ko eku ongoi pe heeku lau hifo e news fekauaki moe mea oku hoko hotau fonua.Oku mou tau kapekape mou tolu ia. Kataki oku ikai koe tau kapekape koe mea ia ke solve aki e palopalema. Uluaki oku ikai ko moua pe oku lau mo sio he net.Many Tongan people oku nau sio he riots. Oku ou iloi pe mamahi hotau kakai. Ka tau toe sio ange pe ko ha e mea ke langa foou ai hotau kii fonua. Koe palopalema ia kuo osi ia. All we want to do. How we gonna return back hotau kii fonua masiva ki he moui naa tau anga maheni mo ia. Ko Tonga ia oku ikai ke toe "Friendly Island ia"Mo fakamolemole oua temo ita heeku lau pehe atu. Ka mo melino mua ke tau tohi fakalelei pe kae oua mua tetau tohi kapekape he mea ni. Sai aupito pe ketau tohi lau mo mea ki he puleanga. Fakamolemole oua tetau kapekape. Hange leva oku tau ha tae ako mo ha kakai oku ikai tatau akonaki tautolu.Fakamolemole ongo tokoua oua e ai ketau pehe.
Fakaapaapa atu...
ありがとう
Re: Hey osi hoomou kataki?Oku ou tui pe oku osi.
mooni lahi ho lau..oua pe kapekape..ka oku ke ilo aipe ko hotau kii kakai koe totua pe ha mea pea koe vave pe ki kape ee..ka oku tonu ke tau vahe pe oua kapekape..poupou atu..masii..
mada ashita nee
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
The report you are refering to from the Tonga National Centre for Women & children(NCWC), you are right. There is also a legal issue here because Augus McLean who is not a current employee but was a former volunteer ( according to NCWC)release the report under the banner of the NCWC with out the authority of NCWC,this amount to cheating to put out his own agenda using some one else name. This warrant further investigation as the allegation in that report is very serious and the potential damaged it will cause to Tonga.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Clive Edwards is a BIG FAT LIER not a LAWER.
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Clive Edwards is a BIG FAT LIER not a LAWER.
malo
Malo mua e tali eku kii kole tua. Oku ou tui pe au ia oku mou mooni.Koe ngaahi mea kotoa pe oku mou mea ki ai koe mooni.Ka koe mea oku tau fakakaukau ki ai pe koe ha e mea hoko atu ke fakalelei ai hotau kii fonua mooni.Ke toe foki pe ki he Otu motu angaofa. Sio pe he net he ngaahi fakamamahi oku fai mo e ngaahi mea oku hoko oku te loto mamahi ai pe.He koe Tonga kitautolu. Kae mahalo oku toe lahi ange hoomou mamahi ia amoutolu. Kaikehe malo aupito.
Fakaapaapa atu
ありがとう
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
There would be few if any with a strong connection to Tonga unaffected by these events.As a journalist,I agree that the reporting to date by western media is lacking in many ways.They have no long term commitment to Tonga or Fiji where they ran off to when the Tonga story cooled.They are after sensationalist reporting, something that will hold world attention for a period of time.Indymedia are sincere, but no less different because reporting on human rights abuses is sensationalist reporting.It would have been far better to allow Tongans to tell their story to the world in their own voice and style, for people like TVNZ, TV3 to figure out a way to accommodate that.I am Maori, but lived in Tonga from 1966-69 where my Dad was construction engineer for the older buildings such as the Post Office, the Dateline Hotel, the old Vaiola Hospital, Queen Salote Wharf and poor old Tungi Arcade.I also am making a documentary about Tonga and her people.Being Maori, I can empathise with so much, have attempted to give substance and depth to the documentary about the land and people that loved me.Yet despite my best efforts it will only ever be second best,because the right to tell that story belongs to the Tongan people.I returned on Thursday from Tonga with a heartache.I wept in front of Tungi Arcade, not just for my father but for Tonga.I too will be returning in 2007 to train young people in Tonga to tell their own stories. Faka’apa’apa atu.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
would love more info on your tongan stories project. may i have your e-mail address?
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
There would be few if any with a strong connection to Tonga unaffected by these events.As a journalist,I agree that the reporting to date by western media is lacking in many ways.They have no long term commitment to Tonga or Fiji where they ran off to when the Tonga story cooled.They are after sensationalist reporting, something that will hold world attention for a period of time.Indymedia are sincere, but no less different because reporting on human rights abuses is sensationalist reporting.It would have been far better to allow Tongans to tell their story to the world in their own voice and style, for people like TVNZ, TV3 to figure out a way to accommodate that.I am Maori, but lived in Tonga from 1966-69 where my Dad was construction engineer for the older buildings such as the Post Office, the Dateline Hotel, the old Vaiola Hospital, Queen Salote Wharf and poor old Tungi Arcade.I also am making a documentary about Tonga and her people.Being Maori, I can empathise with so much, have attempted to give substance and depth to the documentary about the land and people that loved me.Yet despite my best efforts it will only ever be second best,because the right to tell that story belongs to the Tongan people.I returned on Thursday from Tonga with a heartache.I wept in front of Tungi Arcade, not just for my father but for Tonga.I too will be returning in 2007 to train young people in Tonga to tell their own stories. Faka’apa’apa atu.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Good to see that and I am going back too for good to help rebuild Tonga
Wishing you all success and I hope you enjoy your self. In 1966-1969 were you at Side School or Tonga High
Re: Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrest
'Oku tonu ke ta nautolu moe vale .Kenau sio mai he faka'ofa 'a e kakai .Kapau na'u 'i TOnga na kou fakapoongi 'akinautolu na'a nau taki mu'a he me'a ni .Mahalo 'oku sai ke tuku hono peha'i kae puke mai 'o tutu .Kapau 'oku nau holi ketau tau pea tau toe foki ki he kuonga tautau .He koe fakamasiva lahi 'oku fai .Fakasio atu e kau hanu na'a nau kau he tutu 'o 'ave ki Nomuka ke tutu mei ai .Pea fakasio atu e kau taki 'o fafanga 'aki ha puaka [hufanga he fakatapu]
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
That is not fair what they do to the people in tongan i mean cause we are all brother and sister in gods eyes.I am a tonga girl and when I hear that kind of stuff it makes me want to cry cause I have family up there and I really don't want nothing to happen to them.Someone should do somthing about it.GOD BLESS ALL THE PEOPLE IN TONGAN.
Re: Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
hi
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
Kiate ki mou tolu 'oku lau kia neti(Clive Edwards) Tuku ho'o mou maumau taimi o fai ha'a mou talanoa ki ha me'a 'oku mou ilo'i! Clive Edwards was appointed by his late majesty for his abilities and expertise. The reason why Tupou V dismissed him is because he did not like the fact that Clive was independent and only worked for his late majesty Tupou IV Pea na'e toki fakafisi pe a neti he alu e tu'i kuo unga fonua ki muli. Pea toe ava hake hono ngutu oe Tu'i lolotonga ni o fa'u talanoa loi ke kovi ai e hingoa o neti. Pea koe ha ae me'a na'e kaka ai a neti pe koe ha ae m'ea na'a ne kaiha'a? Mou alu o ako ke mou a'u kihe tu'unga 'oku iai a Neti pea mou toki lea hake. As for the comments on tongans and their reputation for fooling foreigners I absolutely agree half the time when I was addressed in english I though it funny to "play" with the palangi until I got bored and finally confessed that I spoke fluent english and anzswered their questions. Pea 'o ka pau te ke fai ha lau hanu pea tohi ho hingo ke ilo'i koe kae oua fai mai 'e me'a 'oku ui faka palangi koe ",cowardice."
Malo,
kai
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
kakai tae ngali lotu tama ko tonga haha clive foi pu hahaha
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
mou alu a kakai o lotu tuku faka na usi meia clive eduate tuu'tua'fale hoka'niu lahi faufau'a
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
In every country corruption plays a big role in how they are governed. I, being a Tongan American, can tell you that it is no different here in the U.S.. There are good people that are willing to stand up for the little people and those that want to beat them down. But as always the good shall prevail, as Tonga will always be a beautiful country...
Re: Abuse in Tongan prisons - IMC activist almost arrested
please tell me more maybe WE can help from NZ just letting people know whats happening is enough to get everyone asking questions