Pago Pago village council leaders have decided that the families of the two villagers accused by the government of beating a man onboard a yacht anchored in Pago Pago Harbor, will not be fined or penalized by the village. The victim suffered injuries and was hospitalized.

Jason Muasau and George Tulaga are each charged with first degree assault, first degree burglary, felonious restraint, and resisting arrest.

Village spokesman Pulu Ae Ae Jr. told Samoa News last week that the village council met to discuss the issue, which has tarnished the good name of the village, and reached a decision, which was not an easy task, given that another human being was allegedly seriously assaulted.

He said the village council decided that the families of the accused will not be levied any village fines or penalties but if similar incidents occurred again, then the village council will not hesitate to come up with the proper punishment.

He said the village council does not want to impose punishment against any villager but will have to, in order to protect the village as well as keeping peace and harmony in the community.

Samoa News reporters Ausage Fausia and Fili Sagapolutele contributed to this report.