The Prime Minister of Tonga has attacked the acting Attorney-General over his involvement in the firearms conviction of Lord Tu'ilakepa.
This month Tu'ilakepa, who is the nobles' representative for Vava'u, was fined nearly US$5,000 on illegal possession of guns and ammunition charges dating from 2010.
The Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva says he is disturbed by 'Aminiasi Kefu's involvement in the case and claims he ignored public empathy, impartiality, independence and fairness in pleading a lesser sentence for the defendant.
Mr Pohiva says such a practice has no place in his government and the judge should have been left alone to pass sentence independently.
He says Mr Kefu also spoke publicly about the case while omitting crucial evidence.
Mr Pohiva says the time it took for the case to conclude was also concerning.
Mr Kefu, who is currently overseas, says Mr Pohiva's concerns show a misunderstanding of judicial proceedings and the role of the Attorney General.
The Prime Minister says his cabinet will find it difficult to work with people like Tu'ilakepa because of his poor integrity and the legal protection afforded to him.
Prime Minister's office, Tonga Photo: Supplied