Court

The inmates, Tagaloasa Filipaina and Ovaleni Poli Palau, were transferred from Tafaigata prison to the Apia police station in February 2018.

The pair had been suspected of planning a mass prison break out during a cyclone warning last February.

In her ruling, Justice Tafaiomalo Tuala Warren, said there was no breach of the applicant's constitutional rights.

She also encouraged the Commissioner of Prisons and Corrections to reassess the viability of taking the applicants to the newly built prison at Tanumalala, which is expected to be opened by July.

The hearing of contempt of court charges against Faamausili Moli and 15 other matais of the village council of Malie was scheduled to start yesterday.

But the validity of the interim injunction, as well as the appeal against the Lands and Titles decision to appoint Faamausili, and whether or not an order of stay of that decision was issued - are some of the preliminary matters the presiding judge wants to deal with first.

Justice Vui Clarence Nelson told Ulugia Sala Suivai of Vaiusu the penalties for drug sellers must be severe.

Police said when they searched the defendant's home they discovered 71 marijuana plants, some up to three feet, growing behind the house.

Justice Vui noted that it was clear from the number of marijuana plants being grown they were not for the defendant's personal use.

Up to 24 high chiefs from various islands belong to the parliamentary body and provide feedback on policy issues such as permanent residence and preserving traditions.

Last month a draft practice note written by the country's law society and judges was accidentally released which detailed proposed changes to occupational rights.

It suggested granting occupational rights for 60 years instead of indefinitely which was met with overwhelming opposition from traditional chiefs.