Samoa's caretaker government wants judges removed from contempt case

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo / Supplied

By RNZ

Samoa's caretaker prime minister and the attorney general are filing a recusal application to prevent some judges from sitting on a contempt of court citation brought against both of them.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Attorney General Savalenoa Mareva Betham-Annandale, outgoing Speaker Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei have all been cited for contempt of court after allegedly obstructing the convening of parliament.

In addition, Tuilaepa has been cited for "scandalising" the court through public remarks that are alleged to have disparaged its abilities and undermined its authority.

Samoa Observer reports lawyer Rodney Harrison, acting for Tuilaepa and Savalenoa told the court this week he will be filing a recusal application against a panel of Justices of the Supreme Court.

He said the caretaker government officials want justices who ruled on a special Sunday hearing that parliament sit to be recused from the case.

They are the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese, and Justices Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren.

The contempt matter was called for civil mention this week before the Chief Justice.

Harrison said the recusal of the Justices is on the grounds the contempt of court citation against his clients originated from the Supreme Court's orders on Sunday, 23 May.

Chief Justice Perese instructed the lawyer to make the appropriate recusal application and said the court would determine its merit.

Another issue addressed by Harrison is the "urgency" to deal with the contempt citation from the FAST party.

The lawyer disagreed the matter should be accorded any priority.

But attorney for FAST, Ben Keith, said the case must be dealt with urgency because of concerns the same actors will defy another order from the Supreme Court last week that parliament convenes by next Monday at the latest.

Chief Justice Perese also instructed the FAST counsel to make an application for urgency which would be dealt with at the same time as the recusal application.

The matter has been adjourned until July 12 so the appropriate applications may be filed by the parties.

- RNZ