Samoa’s caretaker government wants judges removed from contempt cases
TUILAEPA HAS BEEN CITED FOR “SCANDALISING” THE COURT THROUGH PUBLIC REMARKS THAT ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE DISPARAGED ITS ABILITIES AND UNDERMINED ITS AUTHORITY.
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 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.