Charges against M.P dismissed

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 24 April 2016, 12:00AM

Four charges of bribery and treating in relation to the recent General Election against the Member of Parliament for Fa’asaleleaga No. 2, Pau Sefo Pau, have been withdrawn and dismissed.

It follows an application made by the complainant Fuga Gauula Salima before the District Court on Friday.

Through his lawyer, Matafeo George Latu, Fuga requested to have the charges against Pau withdrawn and for each party to pay their own costs. 

There were no reasons given. 

Alalatoa Rosella Papali’i representing Pau made no objection to the application. 

She initially indicated to the Court their intention to quash the charges. 

District Court Judge, Vaepule Vaemoa Va’ai granted the application to withdraw the charges and made no order on costs. 

Outside Court, Pau said that while he was relieved, he was also prepared if the case did proceed.  He pointed out that it is the fourth time he has been brought to Court on such allegations and it wasn’t anything new.  “I would’ve been happy too if the matter did proceed,” said Pau. 

“The problem is the law should’ve been studied well before allegations are brought here. 

“I also feel that these matters should proceed in Court so that Parliament can better prepare the legislation and see where it needs to be focused on.”

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 24 April 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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