In Tonga, a sedition charge against a Nuku'alofa businesswoman has been withdrawn.

'Ofa Simiki was initially charged with five counts relating to riots in November 2006.

The four remaining charges against her include housebreaking, stealing, and damage to local stores in the central business district.

She's pleaded not guilty to all four charges and has elected to be tried by judge alone - the case was adjourned till June 17 for a pre-trial conference.

'Ofa Simiki was a candidate in the Parliamentary Election last week but failed to win a seat.

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