The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal by the Samoa Speaker of the House on the reinstatement of two Opposition members, the Samoa Observer can reveal.
On Monday, Justice Blanchard, Justice Young, and Justice Nelson delivered the verdict.
The cross-appeal of the first and second respondents was granted, affirming that the Assembly’s decision on 18 October, 2022, to suspend the Leader and Secretary of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) was legally unfounded and therefore nullified.
Furthermore, the court of appeal ordered that Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, identified as the first and second respondents, have the right to receive their parliamentary salaries and allowances for the duration of their suspension. The order mandates immediate payment of these amounts.
The Speaker, Papalii Li’o Taeu Masipau must pay costs to the first and second respondents of $10,000 (US$3,362); in both cases with disbursements to be fixed by the Registrar if not agreed.
SOURCE: SAMOA OBSERVER/PACNEWS
