Attorney General apologizes to Judiciary – withdraws damaging press release

The Attorney General, Savalenoa Mareva Betham-Annandale.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA 28 MAY 2021: In a press release issued around 1.00 this morning, the Attorney General apologizes to the Judiciary regarding yesterday’s press release on its application to the Supreme Court to disqualify the Judges who will hear the appeal by the Electoral Commissioner and Ali’imalemanu Alofa case on Monday 31 May 2021.

“We apologize profusely for this unfortunate situation,” said the press release.

The Attorney General also recalled the press release “as it was not authorized and does not reflect our view of the Honourable Judiciary.”

In the first press release, the Attorney General questioned the appearance of impartiality and integrity of the Judiciary presiding over these matters.

It also stated the conflict of interest of the Chief Justice with the FAST party leader Fiame Naomi Mataafa, and the Judiciary marching to parliament on Monday concerned the Attorney General and not trusting the Judiciary anymore.

“The actions of the Judiciary on Monday 24 May 2021 led by the Honourable Chief Justice in trying to open the doors of Parliament despite the Notice of the caretaker Speaker of the house that Parliament will not convene is concerning,” said the release.

“As the Chief Justice, the Caretaker Speaker and staff are not subject to Court jurisdictions as per the law.  The actions of the Chief Justice indicate that he may be in contempt of Parliament. This is despite the absence of the HRPP Party, the absence of the Head of State, and the absence of a Council of Deputies. “

In court yesterday, the Attorney General applied to disqualify the judges from hearing the appeal on the 10% of women in Parliament.

The Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese questioned the authority of the Attorney General in meddling with the work of the Court.