Rioting crowds set fire to central area in Tonga

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-17-2006 14:26

An uneasy calm has settled over Tonga's capital of Nuku'alofa after a severe riot erupted in the city on Thursday. Police and troops have now restored order. The demonstrators were protesting about the lack of democracy in the country. Rioting crowds lashed government buildings and civil infrastructures. They set fire to almost half the city's central shopping area. Rioters also attacked some Chinese-owned businesses in the area.

The riot erupted at about 4 PM local time on Thursday after the government refused to immediately approve reforms in the South Pacific islands. Pro-democratic demonstrators overturned cars, looted shops and set fire to offices. They smashed the windows of government buildings including the prime minister's office.