Three Judges suspended pending investigation

Three Judges of the Land and Titles Court have been placed on suspension by the Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (J.S.C.), His Honour Vui Clarence Nelson. 

The Judges are the Deputy President, Sevealii Panapa Vee, Senior Judge, Lavea Siaosi Hazelman and Judge Nanai Pologa Ioane. 

The suspensions were confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Moliei Simi Vaai, who is also the Secretary of the J.S.C., in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

In a statement, issued to this newspaper, Ms. Vaai said: “Three Land and Titles Court (L.T.C.) Judges have been suspended by the Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the J.S.C. as of Monday 9 September 2019 pending an investigation by a Committee.” 

According to the C.E.O. the J.S.C. have yet to appoint a committee "to look into allegations regarding a decision of the L.T.C.".

“The J.S.C. have yet to reveal the Committee members,” said Ms Vaai in the statement. 

The C.E.O. was not at liberty to discuss the reason behind the suspensions.

Efforts are being made to request comments from the suspended Judges.