Judge orders Police witness to give evidence in person

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 07 June 2025 – District Court Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga has dismissed Prosecutions application to have a Police key witness give evidence via video link.

The Judge has ordered the witness, Marie Tusi to give evidence in person under certain conditions.

Marie will enter the courtroom from through back door used by the Judge and the defendants will be relocated to sit at the public gallery to avoid eye contact with the witness.

Prosecutor Taimalelagi Leinafo Strickland made the application on Wednesday for Marie to give evidence via a video link but was strongly opposed by the three defense counsels.

Marie is one of 76 police witnesses in the high profile case now going to its third of a five week trial and Marie will take the stand Tuesday next week.