Counsel asks for a fair trial for prominent writer accused of murder

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 10 June 2024 – Counsel representing prominent Samoan writer and poet Papalii Sia Fiegel has asked the Court to issue a temporary suppression order on the publication of the incident which charges against her client stemmed from.

Fiegel has been charged which murder, manslaughter and being armed with a dangerous weapon.

The incident which happened 24 May made headlines locally and internationally and defense counsel Unasa Iuni Sapolu is concerned that much has been said about the incident publicly which could result in her client not having a fair trial.

Fiegel appeared for the first time in Court today and Unasa informed the Court of her client’s mental health and was not sure if her client was well enough to enter a plea or stand trial.

Presiding Judge Fepulea’i Ameperosa Roma declined the verbal application by counsel and reminded her that the Court only deals with written applications.

Prosecution applied for a 1 week adjournment so police could finalise the charges and Justice Roma informed Unasa to use the adjournment to file her documents and all applications that needed to be dealt with.

Papalii has yet to enter a plea and she remains in custody until next week.

The Incident
According to Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, the incident happened at the accused’s residence at Vaivase-uta where she allegedly attacked and killed a 78 year old woman.

Fiegel is reported to have then left her house and went to a friend’s place where she later relayed the incident and the friend then informed the police.

The deceased is a retired academic and well known writer and poet from American Samoa.