COMMENTARY: The Lavulavus case and Justice Cooper’s legacy, a call for judicial reform in Tonga

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21/03/2025

COMMENTARY Former Justice Cooper’s time on the Tongan bench has ended with the expiration of his contract. While his tenure successfully advanced the prosecution of illicit drug offences—the primary reason for his appointment—it also raises critical questions about the Privy Council’s processes for selecting and appointing judges.

It also raises the question of whether our “poorest constitution” among Commonwealth countries, with its problematic clauses governing courts, the judiciary, and the Attorney General office—now deemed unworkable and potentially illegal—has underlying implications that contribute to the technical and operational shortfalls we see in the judicial system today.

Justice Cooper had been a prosecutor level three in the UK before being brought to Tonga to handle cases related to illicit drugs, a significant concern for the Kingdom. Over time, his responsibilities expanded to oversee other criminal cases, including one of the most important and high-profile cases of the century: the Lavulavus fraud case.

The couple’s charges, which involved allegations of misusing over TOP$500,000 government funds, culminated in a guilty verdict and a prison sentence for the defendants in July 2021. However, the Lavulavus successfully appealed the decision while they were in prison, leading to their release.

The Appeal Court found that the primary issue lay in Justice Cooper’s failure to maintain impartiality during the trial. This finding resulted in the court ordering a retrial, a decision that has had far-reaching consequences.

It is reasonable to question whether Justice Cooper should have initially presided over the Lavulavus case, considering his background as a prosecutor and potential lack of necessary experience for such a significant court case.

At taxpayers expense

What makes this situation particularly concerning is the significant cost it has imposed on the Tongan government and, by extension, its taxpayers.

The retrial process requires the police to reinvestigate the case, the Attorney General’s Office to re-prepare its legal arguments, and the judicial system to allocate additional time and resources. These expenses are not just financial; they also strain the public’s trust in the legal system.

Meanwhile, the Lavulavus remain free, living in the public eye while the nation watches and waits for the outcome of the retrial. This case underscores the critical importance of judicial impartiality and the need for rigorous oversight in the appointment of judges. It also highlights the broader implications of judicial decisions, which can have lasting impacts on public confidence, government resources, and the pursuit of justice.

The most concerning scenario would be if the Lavulavus succeed in their appeal against the retrial. In such a case, they could potentially sue the government for compensation, which would place yet another significant financial burden on the country.

Justice Cooper’s tenure serves as a reminder that the selection of judges must prioritize not only expertise but also integrity, impartiality, and a deep understanding of the local context.

As Tonga moves forward, the important question is: is it time that the king should do something to address the report revealing how poor our constitution is?

Justice and AG offices

The report by an expert who reviewed Tonga’s constitution said that dividing the justice sector among the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Lord Chancellor, and the Attorney General’s Office has proven inefficient, ineffective, and unaffordable.

According to the report by constitutional law expert Peter Pursglove, the reforms laid out in the 2010 Constitution are unworkable, incompatible with Tonga’s constitutional monarchy, and lack legal, cultural, or historical ties to the Kingdom.

“The provisions in the Constitution relating to the Judiciary are particularly lacking in both structure and content to the extent that they are not only unworkable but are totally incompatible with the principles of constitutional monarchy and democracy upon which the new Constitution of 2010 was supposed to have been founded.

“The report notes that the justice sector has been divided between the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Lord Chancellor and the Office of the Attorney General. “Having three separate bodies responsible for the justice sector is proving to be unworkable,” the report says. “It is inefficient, ineffective and unaffordable”.

According to the Pursglove report, which was endorsed by the Tu’ivakanō government in 2014:

Tonga’s 2010 constitution does not uphold democracy
The Privy Council lacks any democratic composition or accountability

The judiciary lacks accountability and transparency.
Changes to the judiciary are inefficient, ineffective, unaffordable and possibly illegal.
No public discussions were held regarding the reforms to the judiciary or why they were considered necessary.

“The present Constitution of Tonga can lay claim to being the most poorly structured and drafted Constitution of any Country in the Commonwealth,” the report says.

Mother of five jailed for 20 months after embezzling $155,588 from employer

By

Kaniva Staff

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20/03/2025

Pauline Langi, a former cashier, breached trust by stealing company funds despite being given multiple chances to repay, leading to a 32-month sentence with 12 months suspended.

Pauline Langi, a mother of five, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for theft and embezzlement totalling $155,588. The Supreme Court heard that Langi, a cashier and finance manager for a small company, began stealing shortly after starting her employment.

Initially, she took 1,800, and her employers, showing considerable leniency, allowed her to repay the amount through an agreement.

However, Langi failed to repay the money and stole an additional 1,800, and her employers, showing considerable leniency, allowed her to repay the amount through an agreement. Langi failed again to repay the money and stole an additional 7,000 two weeks later. Despite being given a second chance, she continued her fraudulent activities, withdrawing 20,000 on August 2, 2023, another 20,000 on August 2, 2023, and another 20,000 on August 18, 2023.

Her theft escalated further, with withdrawals of 29,000 on September 20, 2023, 29,000 on September 20, 2023, and 27,000 through a third party on September 28, 2023, bringing the total of the four checks to 96,000. Police investigations revealed that Langi had also embezzled 96,000. Police investigations revealed that tLangi had also embezzled 57,588 from customer payments, resulting in a combined theft of $155,588.

During sentencing, Justice Bishop highlighted the severity of Langi’s actions, stating, “These are very serious offences. What makes them particularly serious is, first, you were given two chances, which you ignored; second, your actions were a breach of the trust placed in you; and third, your systemic dishonesty, born of avarice and greed, caused economic, emotional, and reputational damage to your employers.”

Langi did not explain her actions other than giving her brother some stolen money.

A pre-sentence report from the Probation Office, filed on January 14, 2025, detailed her stable upbringing but noted her “high risk” of re-offending due to her lack of previous good character, unemployment, and associations with negative influences.

Despite her early guilty plea, Justice Bishop imposed a sentence of 32 months imprisonment for theft and 24 months for embezzlement, to be served concurrently. He suspended the final 12 months of the punishment for one year, conditional on Langi not committing further offences, reporting to the Probation Office within 48 hours of release, and being placed on probation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, you will serve 20 months’ imprisonment followed by 12 months suspended on conditions,” Justice Bishop concluded.

Customs busts airport workers in major meth seizure: 58kg of drugs intercepted at Auckland airport

By

Kaniva Staff

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20/03/2025

Three employees at Auckland International Airport were arrested after smuggling 58kg of methamphetamine worth NZ21.7 million from Malaysia.

Customs, working closely with industry partners, identified suspicious activity within airport precincts. Investigations established that the three workers had moved a container off a flight from Malaysia at Auckland International Airport on 12 March 2025.

The men were arrested and appeared in the Manukau District Court on the same day.

The seized methamphetamine equates to close to 2.9 million individual doses, with a potential street value of up to NZ$21.7 million. This seizure is estimated to have prevented up to NZ$61 million in social harm and cost to New Zealand.

Customs Investigations Manager, Dominic Adams, says:

“We’re sending a clear message to transnational and serious organised crime groups that we are always on the lookout for signs of suspicious behaviour across the supply chain and have eyes on everyone trusted to work in secure areas.

“These arrests highlight the ongoing great work of our frontline Customs officers at the border in addition to Customs efforts in building trusted networks with border and industry partners to protect the integrity of our supply chain.”

Second person in court over alleged mishandling of burials

By

Kaniva Staff

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20/03/2025

By Jacob Johnson, 1News Reporter

A second person has appeared in court charged with inappropriate handling of human remains and obtaining more than $18,000 by deception.

The 53-year-old made his first appearance in Auckland District Court today. (Source: 1News)

The 53-year-old denied all charges and has elected trial by jury when he made his his first appearance in Auckland District Court today.

Court documents show the Auckland man faces two charges of obtaining money by deception, amounting to more than $18,000, between 2015 and 2022.

He also faces a charge of neglecting to properly seal and line a casket.

The appearance comes as police continue to investigate allegations of mishandled burials at Auckland’s Waikumete Cemetery under Operation Lola.

Police have been examining complaints after bodies were disinterred following the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023.

Undertaker Fiona Bakulich, 48, was previously arrested and pleaded guilty to 14 charges, two of interfering with human remains and 12 of obtaining by deception. She would be sentenced in April.

Fijian navy intercepts Tongan vessel, seizes weapons

By

Kalino Latu

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19/03/2025

Fijian authorities have seized a firearm and ammunition from the Tongan vessel MV Malau, which were intended for a recipient in Fiji lacking the necessary firearms license.

According to Fijian media reports, the seizure included a firearm and more than 500 rounds of ammunition.

The Fiji Times stated that the arms and ammunition were accompanied by proper documentation.

The Fijian Navy ship RFNS Timo intercepted MV Malau and escorted it to Suva Harbour, where the weapons were confiscated.

Malau Shipping announced on March 8 that the ship would depart for repairs in Fiji.

It said the vessel was expected to leave Tonga for Fiji on Saturday 15.

It is standard practice for Tongan vessels to undergo repairs in Suva.

The seizure follows a previous report by Kaniva News last year, which revealed that Fijian police were investigating the discovery of bullets on a Fiji Airways flight that arrived from Tonga.

At the time, the Fiji Times reported that the bullets were found in a passenger’s carry-on baggage, which had been left onboard after disembarkation.

While the Fiji Times did not provide specific details about the flight number or whether the passenger was located, Fijian Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro confirmed the discovery and stated that investigations were ongoing.

Trump, Putin agree to limited ceasefire on energy, infrastructure in Ukraine

By

Kaniva Staff

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19/03/2025

By Associated Press

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during their call this morning to seek a limited ceasefire against energy and infrastructure targets in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the White House.

In this combination of file photos, President Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, are seen at the Elysee Palace, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris, and President Vladimir Putin, right, addresses a Technology Forum in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 21, 2025. — In this combination of file photos, President Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, are seen at the Elysee Palace, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris, and President Vladimir Putin, right, addresses a Technology Forum in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 21, 2025. (Source: Associated Press)

The White House described it as the first step in a “movement to peace” it hopes will eventually include a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full and lasting end to the fighting.

“Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace,” the White House said in a statement. “The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.”

The White House added negotiations would “begin immediately” in the Middle East on those steps. It was not immediately clear whether Ukraine was on board with the phased ceasefire plan.

Ukrainian officials had proposed a limited ceasefire covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes and the release of prisoners at their meeting with the US delegation in Saudi Arabia this month.

The Kremlin said Putin welcomed Trump’s calls for the maritime ceasefire and “agreed to begin negotiations to further work out specific details of such an agreement.”

Putin also told Trump that Russia and Ukraine are set to exchange 175 prisoners of war each on Wednesday, and Russia will also hand over to Ukraine 23 badly wounded soldiers, the Kremlin said.

Putin also called on Trump to end foreign military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine as the US looks to bring an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.

The move comes as the White House pushes for Russia to sign off on its 30-day ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials last week agreed to the 30-day ceasefire proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, remains skeptical that Putin is ready for peace as Russian forces continue to pound Ukraine.

The engagement is just the latest turn in dramatically shifting US-Russia relations as Trump made quickly ending the conflict a top priority — even at the expense of straining ties with longtime American allies who want Putin to pay a price for the invasion.

In preparation for the Trump-Putin call, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff met last week with Putin in Moscow to discuss the proposal. Rubio had persuaded senior Ukrainian officials during talks in Saudi Arabia to agree to the ceasefire framework.

Putin last week said he agreed in principle with the U.S. proposal, but emphasized that Russia would seek guarantees that Ukraine would not use a break in hostilities to rearm and continue mobilization. The Russian president has also demanded that Ukraine renounce joining the NATO military alliance, sharply cut its army, and protect Russian language and culture to keep the country in Moscow’s orbit.

The US president said this week that Washington and Moscow have already begun discussing “dividing up certain assets” between Ukraine and Russia as part of a deal to end the conflict.

Trump, who during his campaign pledged to end the war quickly, has at moments boasted of his relationship with Putin and blamed Ukraine for Russia’s unprovoked invasion, all while accusing Zelensky of unnecessarily prolonging the biggest land war in Europe since World War II.

Trump had said before the call that control of land and power plants would be part of the conversation, which came on the anniversary of Russia annexing Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula 11 years ago. That bold land grab by Russia set the stage for Russia to invade its neighbour in 2022.

Witkoff suggested that US and Russian officials have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — Europe’s largest — in southern Ukraine.

The plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly expressed alarm about it, fueling fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe.

The plant is a significant asset, producing nearly a quarter of Ukraine’s electricity in the year before the war.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends a press conference following the meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. (Source: Associated Press)

After a disastrous February 28 White House meeting with Zelensky, Trump temporarily cut off some military intelligence-sharing and aid to Ukraine. It was restored after the Ukrainians last week signed off on the Trump administration’s 30-day ceasefire proposal.

Zelensky in his nightly video address on Monday made clear he remains doubtful that Putin is ready for peace.

“Now, almost a week later, it’s clear to everyone in the world — even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years — that it is Putin who continues to drag out this war,” Zelensky said.

In his dealings with Zelensky and Putin, Trump has frequently focused on who has the leverage. Putin has “the cards” and Zelensky does not, Trump has said repeatedly.

Trump, who has long shown admiration for Putin, has also made clear he’d like to see the US-Russia relationship return to a more normal footing.

The president during his recent contentious meeting with Zelensky grumbled that “Putin went through a hell of a lot with me,” a reference to the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in which he beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump on Monday again underscored his view that Ukraine is not in a strong negotiating position. He said Russian forces have “surrounded” Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region — amplifying an assertion made by Russian officials that’s been disputed by Zelensky.

Ukraine’s army stunned Russia in August last year by attacking across the border and taking control of an estimated 1300sq kilometres of land. But Ukraine’s forces are now in retreat and it has all but lost a valuable bargaining chip, as momentum builds for a ceasefire with Russia.

Zelensky has acknowledged that the Ukrainians are on their back foot while disputing Russian claims that his troops are encircled in Kursk.

Trump suggested that he’s taken unspecified action that has kept Russia from slaughtering Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

“They’re surrounded by Russian soldiers, and I believe if it wasn’t for me they wouldn’t be here any longer,” Trump said.

The White House said the leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed “Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel”.

US officials have previously said that Iran has provided Russia with short-range ballistic missiles and attack drones for the war in Ukraine. The US has also said that Iran has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory.

Tongatapu man convicted of sexually assaulting 4-year-old girl

By

Kaniva Staff

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19/03/2025

A man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl after touching her private parts in a one-room dwelling.

The man who was mentioned in the court judgement as the victim’s “dad” pleaded not guilty.

The girl told her mother the defendant entered the room and questioned her about her private parts, referred to as “peeki,” before touching her once and leaving.

The term “peeki” is understood to refer to the child’s vagina, according to the Supreme Court document.

The victim later described the act as painful.

The court heard that the incident occurred while the victim’s sister was asleep and her mother had stepped out to collect a towel from a nearby shack.

The mother took her to the police station where she repeated her account.

She was then taken to hospital and examined by a doctor where no indication of abuse was discovered.

The defendant himself also gave evidence.

The Lord Chief Justice Bishop described him as a “straightforward witness who answered clearly.”

Mr Bishop said: “His evidence reinforced the view I had already taken namely that the relationship between him and the Complainant’s mother was tempestuous”.

“I accept that the mother was prone to a loss of temper, would act impulsively, and that the account which he gave of a furious quarrel concerning his father’s alleged relationship with his partner which descended into serious action on the part of the mother, including in a fit of temper driving her car, with the intention of driving it at this witness is true”.

Mr Bisho said he was confident that “the mother weaponised the account her daughter gave to do this witness harm and did so partly out of distress at what she believed to happen to her daughter and partly as a way of wreaking revenge on the man with whom she was estranged”.

The victim’s identity is protected by a court order, and the judge has prohibited the publication of any details that may reveal her identity.

One person dies in single-vehicle crash on Auckland’s North Shore

By

Kaniva Staff

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19/03/2025

By 1News Reporters

One person has died following a serious crash in Browns Bay on Auckland’s North Shore last night.

Police investigate a crash on Beach Rd, Browns Bay. (Source: 1News)

In a statement, a police spokesperson said the single vehicle crash on Beach Rd was reported shortly before 8pm.

“Sadly, police can confirm that the sole male occupant of the vehicle has died,” the spokesperson said.

The serious crash unit has carried out a scene examination.

Police said inquiries would be made on behalf of the Coroner into the man’s death.

EDITORIAL – Too little, too late: Former PM’s bid to clear his name in Lulutai scandal falls flat

By

Kalino Latu

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18/03/2025

In recent weeks, Tonga’s political landscape has experienced significant turmoil following a press conference in which former Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku sought to re-frame and justify his actions while in office. The former Prime Minister resigned in anticipation of a vote of no confidence that he knew he could not survive. During the press conference, he announced his intention to clarify issues related to Lulutai Airlines, a subject that has drawn considerable scrutiny from the incoming Eke government. Key issues surrounding this controversy include the purchase of Lulutai’s Twin Otter aircraft, a loan from the Retirement Fund for Lulutai, the insurance claim for the Saab 340 after its crash and the secrecy and lack of accountability regarding the airline’s operations and management.

Nothing new

When the press conference was announced, I anticipated, as editor, hearing from key officials who could address critical concerns. I had expected to hear from the CEO of Civil Aviation, the CEO of Lulutai Airlines, a representative from the company that sold the Twin Otter aircraft, an official from the insurance company covering the damaged Saab plane, the Auditor General to clarify the financial irregularities linked to Lulutai, and a spokesperson from the Retirement Fund, which had provided loans to Lulutai. These individuals are responsible for overseeing these matters and know exactly what happened.

Instead, the stage was dominated solely by politicians— former Prime Minister Hu’akavameilikui and his associates, including his former Deputy and former Minister of Civil Aviation—the very individuals embroiled in serious allegations concerning the national airlines. Rather than addressing the media with new insights, they recycled the same old responses from their time in power, offering no substantive answers or evidence to counter the allegations.

Worst in communication

Now, out of office and facing mounting scrutiny, the former Prime Minister seeks to clear his name. During his time in office, when given opportunities to address allegations, he consistently chose silence and what might have been seen as cover-ups—actions that only deepened public scepticism about his leadership and integrity. Now, after resigning and becoming aware that his actions are under scrutiny, he has suddenly returned to the table—the very table where he once sat and had the opportunity to clear his record but chose not to. This belated attempt at accountability only underscores his earlier failure to address the allegations when it mattered most.

As a journalist with over 20 years of experience covering six consecutive governments and six different Prime Ministers, I can confidently say that Hu‘akavameiliku’s tenure was the worst in terms of communication. Throughout his time in office, he consistently ignored requests for comment on critical issues, even when approached via Facebook Messenger. On one occasion, after I sent him a message seeking clarification on a pressing matter, he chose not to respond. Moments later, he posted an announcement about an event organised by the Tonga High School alumni association, of which he was the chairperson – an apparent and deliberate snub that underscored his contemptuous attitude toward senior members of the media.

His disdainful attitude toward the media was further solidified by his recent response to a New Zealand lawyer criticising him on Facebook. Lawyer Nalesoni Tupou accused the former Prime Minister of securing a loan from China—a claim Hu‘akavameiliku vehemently denied. However, Tupou’s strong language in the post seemed to strike a nerve, prompting the former leader to break his usual silence and respond on Facebook. In his response to Tupou, Hu‘akavameiliku claimed he typically ignored such comments to avoid giving them undue importance, but he made an exception for Tupou, citing the lawyer’s prominence in New Zealand. This seems to show a very skewed sense of respect—valuing only those deemed important while dismissing journalists who do not meet his arbitrary standard of status.

Communicate to dominate

As a journalist, I closely followed Hu‘akavameiliku, as I would any former Prime Minister, as part of my professional duties. He seemed to develop an unhealthy sense of self-importance that was reflected in his failure to establish an effective communication strategy during his time in office. Instead, he adopted a communicate to dominate approach—holding tightly controlled press conferences, selectively answering questions, and using rhetoric to deflect criticism. This strategy allowed him to avoid meaningful engagement with the media and sidestep public concerns, further eroding trust in his leadership.

The pattern of poor communication extended to his secretary, Paula Ma‘u. Before becoming secretary to Hu‘akavameiliku, Ma‘u was known for his ability to provide clear and responsive answers to our inquiries. However, once in the role, it seemed that he did not want to engage with journalists, refusing to answer any questions whatsoever. Was it because Hu‘akavameiliku stopped him from responding to media inquiries?

The Minister of Civil Aviation

The former Minister of Civil Aviation, Sevenitini Toumo‘ua, provided several examples of poor leadership in communication. Throughout his tenure, journalists felt he had failed to address critical questions regarding Lulutai Airlines, the MV ‘Otuanga‘ofa and the housing projects for the victims of the Hungas eruption.

When Kaniva News published a story based on a report by the Australian civil aviation authorities that the black box on the Lulutai Airlines Saab 340 may have been turned off, he demanded a retraction and threatened legal action if we did not comply. However, I stood firm, corrected him, and urged him to read the report himself before making such accusations. He never responded.

Misleading parliament

Equally concerning is the fact that the Minister also told Parliament that a $2 million grant from Australia was directly allocated to support Lulutai Airlines. However, a letter from Australian authorities clearly stated otherwise, confirming that the funds were intended as budget support for the Tongan government, leaving it to the government’s discretion to determine how the money would be used. These incidents raised serious questions about what has seemed to be a a troubling pattern of evasion, defensiveness and a blatant disregard for accountability.

The Right Time for Accountability

Hu‘akavameiliku and his inner circle should act maturely and allow the Eke government to complete its review of his administration, particularly the Lulutai Airlines controversy. Once the review is finalised, they should be allowed to respond reasonably. That would be the appropriate time for corrections, but not now. Authentic leadership requires timely accountability, not retrospective excuses. The former government’s current actions only erode public trust and undermine the principles of transparency and good governance, further distancing them from the integrity expected of those who once held power.

Trump warns Iran will face ‘consequences’ of further attacks from Houthi rebels

By

Kaniva Staff

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18/03/2025

By 1news.co.nz and is republished with permission

US President Donald Trump overnight explicitly linked the actions of Yemen’s Houthi rebels to the group’s main benefactor, Iran, warning Tehran would “suffer the consequences” for further attacks by the group.

Houthi supporters chant slogans and hold pictures of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi movement, during an anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen (Source: Associated Press)

The comments by Trump on his Truth Social website escalate his administration’s new campaign of airstrikes targeting the rebels, which killed at least 53 people this weekend alone and appear poised to continue. Meanwhile, Iran continues to weigh how to respond to a letter Trump sent them last week trying to jump-start negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

Houthi supporters themselves rallied in several cities Monday after the strikes, vowing revenge against America and Israel over blocking aid to the Gaza Strip after its war on Hamas there. The Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite news channel put young boys on air live, who chanted the group’s slogan: “God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse the Jews; victory to Islam.”

“The Yemeni position is an irreversible position [regarding Gaza], so do whatever you [Americans] want, for we are men who fear no one but God,” said Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a Houthi leader who spoke to the demonstration in Yemen’s rebel-held capital, Sanaa.

The United Nations called for a halt to all military activities in Yemen and the Red Sea, urging “utmost restraint” and warning that “any additional escalation could exacerbate regional tensions,” UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Monday.

Trump links Iran to the Houthis

Describing the Houthis as “sinister mobsters and thugs,” Trump warned any attack by the group would be met with “great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there”.

“Iran has played ‘the innocent victim’ of rogue terrorists from which they’ve lost control, but they haven’t lost control,” Trump alleged in his post. “They’re dictating every move, giving them the weapons, supplying them with money and highly sophisticated Military equipment, and even, so-called, ‘Intelligence’.”

It’s unclear what sparked Trump’s post. However, the head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard sought to separate the Houthis’ actions from those of Tehran this weekend. The Houthis also launched drones and missiles targeting the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, though none reached the ship as it continues flight operations in the region.

Iran did not immediately comment on the post.

President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, Friday, March 14, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Source: Associated Press)

“Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!” Trump added.

The Houthi rebels attacked over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, from November 2023 until January this year when a ceasefire began in Gaza. The campaign also greatly raised the Houthis’ profile in the wider Arab world and tamped down on public criticism against their human rights abuses and crackdowns on dissent and aid workers.

The Houthis claimed there had been additional US airstrikes overnight, though American officials did not immediately acknowledge them.

World Food Program warehouse raided by Houthis

In Saada province, the Houthis’ stronghold, the rebels raided a warehouse run by the World Food Program. A member of Yemen’s exiled government first reported the Houthis had been taking supplies from the facility without the WFP’s permission in the aftermath of the US airstrikes. The United Nations agency later acknowledged the Houthis’ actions to The Associated Press.

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