Riots Kill Six After Parliament Tables Democratic Reforms

American news often does a poor (or nonexistent) job covering the Pacific Islands. This struck me today as I read about the situation in Tonga. Six "rioters" (as reported by the BBC) have been killed in a violent uprising after the Tongan Parliament suspended legislation on democratic reforms.

"We are waiting for DNA tests to confirm as the bodies are beyond recognition," said assistant police commissioner Unca Faaoa.

Up to 80% of buildings in Nuku'alofa were estimated to have been destroyed, including the government and prime minister's offices, the power company, Nuku'alofa's only bank and a number of Chinese-owned shops.

Link to the BBC Article.

More Below the Break

According to the New Zealand Harald, Tonga's government is basically medieval:

. . . where 10 of the 14 cabinet posts in government are appointed by the monarchy for life. Two of the remaining four posts, chosen from elected members of the Legislative Assembly, are reserved for "nobility".
 

Link to the New Zealand Harald Article.

A release by the Tongan government states:

Health authorities are unable to confirm or identify whom the remains found at Shoreline belong to.  Meanwhile, personnel from Shoreline has confirmed that none of their staff have been reported missing.  Health authorities believed the remains belong to either the looters or riot organizers.  Authorities are also seeking cooperation from the public in identifying if they known anyone who is missing.

I wonder where the Tongan government got the idea that the "riot organizers" were killed. I am willing to bet that the dead "riot organizers" will turn out to be pro-democracy citizens.

Link to the Release.