Yesterday, pro-democracy supporters Viliami Sika, Toketa ‘Aivi Puloka and Mele ‘Amanaki challenged the government and soldier’s restrictions that strangled their freedom to travel wherever and whenever they wanted.  

 

Mele ‘Amanaki did not plan to travel but she was not allowed to enter her own home because it is situated within the Nuku’alofa restriction zone and although she has two children in her house, she was prohibited to enter. Mele had to find a place to stay over the last four weeks.

 

Dr. ‘Aivi Puloka and Viliami Sika were stopped by soldiers and Police from traveling overseas because their names were on the soldier’s list.  

 

The court was told the reason for the restrictions was because they have been linked to the cause of the 16/11 riots in Tonga. High Court Hon. Judge Ford questioned the allegations by asking for evidence, the prosecutors failed to present any.

 

Hon. Judge Ford ruled because there was no evidence to suggest there are links between the accused and the cause of the 16/11 riots, there is nothing to stop them from traveling, nor entering any homes they may have in the Nuku’alofa restriction Zone.