Possible criminal charges against FAST leaders investigated

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A Commission has been set up in Samoa to investigate possible criminal charges against FAST Party leaders and its legal advisers.

The Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil said that the Commission has been assembled and include the Assistant Police Commissioner, two police attorneys and the Attorney General to investigate any potential criminality following a letter from the caretaker government requesting criminal charges be laid.

Fuiavailili said he received a letter signed by the caretaker Human Rights Protection Party member for Faleata West, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

Fuiavailili confirmed the complaint relates to FAST’s swearing-in outside Parliament on 24 May, which the Supreme Court last week ruled was not legal because the Head of State was not present.

The complaint named FAST’s leader and deputy leader, an MP who acted as Speaker and two of the parties legal representatives.

The letter also claims that La’auli had consistently incited members of the public to be hostile, violent and to rise up against the Government of Samoa and calls for charges be brought against him.

He also claimed that FAST’s leadership presented themselves as the new and official Government of Samoa.

He complained that Mata’afa issued press releases overseas seeking international intervention and recognition from governments such as those of New Zealand, Australia and other Pacific nations.

“Such actions have diminished the reputation of the Government of Samoa internationally and have caused irreparable damage locally and internationally,” he said.

Lealailepule also asked police to file relevant charges against `Mata’afa, La’auli, Olo Fiti Va’ai, Faumuinā Wayne Fong and other senior members of the party.

SOURCE: TALAMUA ONLINE/PACNEWS