Tonga's acting Attorney General has taken the Police Minister to task for claims he has made about the recent arrests of politicians.
Last week cabinet minister 'Akosita Lavulavu was arrested on fraud charges, while a former Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano was arrested in connection with the passport scandal.
Police Minister Mateni Tapuleluelu has told a radio audience this was done to make the police commissioner Steve Caldwell look good so his contract will be renewed.
The acting Attorney General, 'Aminiasi Kefu, said this claims was absolutely incorrect and untruthful.
He said his office has had to speak up to protect the course of justice, the integrity of the criminal investigation and prosecution that is underway, and to protect the reputations of the police and judicial officers involved.
Photo caption: Police Minister Mateni Tapueluelu