Samoa parliamentary committee to advise on fate of suspended judge

A seven member Parliamentary committee in Samoa has been appointed to advise on the future of the suspended President of the Lands and Titles court, Fepulea'i Attila Ropati.

In April, Fepulea'i was convicted and fined $US2,500 dollars on a charge of causing actual bodily harm.

He reneged on a statement that he would resign after the decision and was instead suspended.

Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi said the inquiry will be the first of its kind.

The committee will report back to Parliament who will make the final decision in a two thirds majority vote either to terminate the president or let him remain in the position.

Tuila'epa said the Attorney General, the Ombudsman, the head of the Ministry of Justice as well as the clerk of the parliament are all members of the new committee alongside two MPs.

Tuila'epa said under the Constitution, Parliament had the power to decide the fate of the Prime Minister, Speaker of the House and any judge in regard to alleged misconduct or wrongdoing in their performance.