Murder accused Papalii Sia Figiel claims the devil was responsible

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 18 June 2024 – Prominent writer and poet Papali’i Sia Figiel who is facing five charges for the murder of an American Samoa writer and academic last month, wants to represent herself in defence of the charges against her.

Figiel appeared in court yesterday for the second time since she was held in custody and asked presiding Judge Fepulea’i Ameperosa Roma for a chance to speak.

Her request granted, Figiel informed the Court that she wished to represent herself because she only had limited time to converse with her lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu when they met.

Last week Unasa asked the Court for a suppression order on publishing the incident and the accused’s name.

Figiel refuted the application for a suppression order claiming that she is a writer and there is no reason not to publicize her name.

Unasa also applied to the Court last week for a mental assessment of her client before pleading to the charges.

Figiel again contested Unasa’s application and told the court that it was the devil that persuaded her to commit the crime, and was also pressured by the devil to take her own life after the incident.

Yet to enter a plea to 5 charges
The police have finalised their charges and 57 year old Figiel is facing 1 count of murder, 1 count of manslaughter, 2 counts of being armed with a dangerous weapon and 1 count of causing serious injuries.

She contested the police claim that she used a knife to commit the offence when it was the work of the devil.

She wanted the court to issue her sentence today so the spirit of the deceased is free. But Justice Roma informed her of issues that needed to be settled first especially that she has not entered a plea to the charges.

Judge Roma asked Figiel to reconsider her earlier application of self-representation and to talk with Unasa. He told the accused that he has a copy of Unasa’s application for a mental assessment and that needs to be done before responding to the charges.

He asked her to talk with Unasa and the matter will be recalled next week, but she said she will not appear again in Court.

She remains in custody.