Samoa’s Suspended Commissioner of Police Yet to Enter Plea in Case

Suspended Commissioner of Police Egon Keil has not submitted a plea in his pending court case following today’s arraignment.

The defendant’s lawyer, Komisi Koria argued that the National Prosecution Office has failed to uphold its given duties following its decision to engage an international independent lawyer and that this is a sign of failure to execute its role as the prosecution.

Koria also submitted that for the charge of false statements, the prosecution has insufficient evidence to prove such.

He has stated that the suspended police commissioner is only a second offender in the initial raid that led to the arrest of Suitupe Misa and for these reasons, his side cannot submit a plea.

Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai has heeded the arguments by the defendant and has adjourned the case until next week Monday.

Keil is facing four criminal charges over an unlawful arrest last year.

He has been charged with perjury, unlawful detention, providing false statements, and disorderly conduct.

The case relates to the alleged unlawful arrest of Misa at Fugalei Market last year.

 

Photo file: RNZ

     

Author: 
Joshua Lafoai