Photo: King of Tonga/ NZ High Commission, Nukuʻalofa
The release of 23 prisoners on Monday, June 29 to mark King Tupou VI’s coronation included some who were jailed after the Nukuʻalofa CBD was set ablaze by rioters in November 18, 2006.
The act of clemency was made according to the Tongan constitution clause 37 which gives the king power to grant a royal pardon to convicts.
The details of the released prisoners were not given.
The figure included 15 prisoners from Huʻatolitoli prison, three from Vavaʻu, three from ‘Eua and two from Haʻapai, Radio FM87.5 reported.
