Security has been increased for the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu, after threats were made against him.

Close to 20 uniformed police officers were present in the Chief Justice’s Supreme Court room yesterday, when he convened a hearing to hear a bail application.

There were also officers outside the courtroom, including members of the Police Tactical Unit who were in civilian clothing. 

A police officer—who does not have authority to speak to the media—told the Samoa Observer that “threats were made against the Chief Justice hence we are here”.

It is unclear at this stage if the Police have begun investigations into the alleged threats. This newspaper was able to get the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Papali’i Monalisa Keti, but she referred the reporter to the Commissioner of Police, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil.

“I’m sorry I am not aware but I can refer you to the Commissioner for your questions, as I was conducting inspection with our outpost and I’m not aware,” she said.

Fuiavaili’ili did not respond to an email that was sent to him seeking his comments on the issue.