Samoa s Attorney General has recalled a scathing press release questioning the integrity of the country s judiciary.
The release demanded the judges appointed to hear an election appeal be disqualified because of, it was claimed, the judges alleged potential conflicts of interest and potential favouritism. There is now substantive evidence before our office that is questioning the appearance of impartiality and integrity of the Judiciary presiding over this matter, the statement said.
Police guard entrance at the Supreme Court in Samoa.
Photo: Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The release added it is also apparent that the FAST party leader is a close relative of the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese.
Samoa s Attorney-General has recalled a scathing press release questioning the integrity of the country s judiciary.
The release demanded the judges appointed to hear an election appeal be disqualified because of, it was claimed, the judges alleged potential conflicts of interest and potential favouritism. There is now substantive evidence before our office that is questioning the appearance of impartiality and integrity of the Judiciary presiding over this matter, the statement said.
Police guard entrance at the Supreme Court in Samoa.
Photo: Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The release added it is also apparent that the FAST party leader is a close relative of the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese.
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On the morning of Monday 24 May, Samoa’s chief justice arrived at the country’s parliament to swear in a new government, only to find the doors firmly locked. He stood momentarily, then turned around and walked back to the courthouse, followed by the entire judiciary.
It was a moment that would stay with me: 45 days after Samoa’s general election – the deadline for swearing in a new government – it was confirmation that the country’s caretaker government had disregarded the highest legal authority of the land in order to prevent a peaceful transition of power.
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