1 Jul 2005

Whisleblower Piukala released on bail in Tonga

4:09 am on 1 July 2005

In Tonga, the man dubbed the Shoreline whistle blower, Piveni Piukala, has been released on bail.

Matangi Tonga reports that Mr Piukala was arrested on Monday and charged with illegally retrieving information from computers at his then employer, Tonga's electricity-supplier, the Shoreline Group.

While working at Shoreline, in which Crown Prince Tupoutoa has interests, Mr Piukala revealed details of company problems and executive salary figures to the Kele'a newspaper.

Mr Piukala returned to Tonga last week after living in Fiji with his family since March.

He is to reappear in court on July 11.