Samoa police commissioner

Samoa Police Commissioner pressed about defendants

A senior court officer says the police commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, may face a contempt of court charge if he continues to defy the orders made on Tuesday.

Acting Chief Justice Vui Clarence Nelson told a senior prosecution lawyer that if by today the defendant in a particular case does not appear, he would move to the next step.

According to sources in the Ministry of Justice, the commissioner has insisted for the court to notify the police three days ahead of any decision to bring the prisoners to appear before court.

     

Samoa's police warn against violation of State of Emergency orders

Emergency provisions issued on Friday include restricting all public gatherings in the country to no more than five people.

Public transport carrying more than five people is to be temporarily halted and nightclubs, restaurants and cinemas are to be closed.

Street vendors have been told to not operate and people aged over 60 have been told to remain at home unless seeking medical attention.

Travel to the island of Savai'i has been limited to just three days a week. Non-essential public servants are also having their hours reduced.

Samoa Police Commissioner yet to resume work

Last week the Supreme Court dismissed more than 200 charges against Fuiavailili Egon Keil.

The Cabinet initially suspended the commissioner last November.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi told the Samoa Observer the next Cabinet meeting would determine when Fuiavailili would return but there were preparations that needed to be done before he could resume.

He wouldn't say what those preparations were.

But in the meantime Tuilaepa said Fuiavailili should make the most of his time away from work and rest as he would have a lot to do when he resumes.

Police petition accuses Samoa Commissioner of unlawful behaviour

The leaked petition, signed by close to 40 commissioned officers including the executive body of the Ministry of Police, says it has evidence to support their call for a Commission of Inquiry.

It raises allegations of the registration of two unlawful firearms by the Commissioner under the name of the ministry without the required authority of the Minister of Police.

The petition also alleges the commissioner possessed an unlawful weapon and ordered an officer to kill a person.