Arrest after death of Tongan activist
NUKU’ALOFA: A 27yearold man has been arrested in Tonga in connection with the death of a prominent human rights activist.
Polikalepo Kefu died on Saturday in what police are investigating as a homicide.
Kefu (41) was president of the Tonga Leitis Association (TLA) — which advocates for trans and gender nonconforming communities — a longserving activist in the local LGBTQI community and a human rights activist whose work was prominent across the Pacific. He also worked with Tonga’s Red Cross and local media.
‘‘Poli, as he has known to many of us, was a selfless humanitarian and a tireless advocate for the rights of those with diverse sexual orientatations, gender identities and gender expressions,’’ the TLA said in a statement, adding that Kefu was the victim of a violent attack.
‘‘In these dark and troubling times, we are reminded of Poli’s light and positive energy, and we are encouraged knowing that this is when we are most needed to continue our work,’’ the TLA said.
RNZ Pacific correspondent Kalafi Moala said Kefu’s death had shocked the community.
‘‘There’s just a sense of shock and anger at the fact that here is a young man who was doing so much good for the community in Tonga. And not only that he was such a pleasant person — you couldn’t imagine that he would be a subject of violence,’’ Moala said.
Tongan police said a man was arrested late on Saturday (local time) and remained in police custody awaiting a court appearance.
reported last night that the 27yearold man had been charged with Kefu’s murder. — RNZ