Warrant against Minister struck out
An outstanding warrant of arrest against the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fa’aolesa Katopau Ainu’u, has been struck out.
The decision was made in the American Samoa Court yesterday.
This was confirmed in an email from Faaolesa’s lawyer in the territory, Marcellus Talaimalo Uiagalelei.
The lawyer said a motion to quash the warrant was filed and successful.
The decision means the Minister can now travel freely between the two countries.
“The matter was scheduled for hearing today (yesterday) on the government’s motion to dismiss (the warrant),” the lawyer wrote.
“The government also moved to dismiss (the warrant) due to the lack of witnesses and the spouse didn’t want to pursue it.
“The Court granted the motion to dismiss by the government and the defense motion to quash was rendered moot.”
Uiagalelei added that the matter has been resolved and that the Minister was not required to appear in Court yesterday.
“Obviously, Fa’aolesa is pleased with the outcome today. However, his office will be issuing a statement at the proper time.”
Attempts to get a comment from the Minister yesterday were unsuccessful.
He did not answer his cell phone.