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Charge against Malietoa dismissed

Malietoa Fa'amausili Moli
Source: Samoa Observer

Apia, SAMOA — A contempt of court charge against Malietoa Fa’amausili Moli and fifteen other chiefs of Malie has been dismissed. 

The decision was handed down by District Court Judge Alalatoa Rosella Papali’i on Friday evening.

In her ruling, Judge Alalatoa said it is unfair to trial the accused on an offence that amounts to an abuse of process. 

She said the charge against Malietoa and his co-accused was a primary example of such. 

“Accordingly, I rule that the charge against the 16 accused are permanently stayed and dismissed,” Judge Alalatoa said.

“I do so to protect the Courts process from further abuse, I do so to prevent criminal processes from being used for purposes alien to the administration of Justice, and I do so to uphold the confidence of the public in the administration of Justice.” 

The charge against the matai stemmed from the bestowment ceremony during which the title Malietoa was conferred upon Fa’amausili Moli on 17th August 2018 at the village of Malie.

Read more at Samoa Observer