Accused offenders kept in custody until S.O.E. lifted

People accused of different offences who are kept in custody will not be released on bail until the coronavirus (COVID-19) State of Emergency is lifted. 

This was confirmed by the former Commissioner of Samoa Prisons and Correction Services (S.P.C.S.), Taitosaua Edward Winterstein, during a press conference earlier this week. 

He could not give a definite number of those being remanded in custody to date. 

Alleged offenders being remanded in custody are usually released on bail on Mondays and Tuesdays every week during criminal mention should the Court sees fit. 

Others being detained in custody can also be released by a Court registrar depending on the seriousness of the alleged offending and conditions imposed by the Court. 

A notice from the  Ministry of Justice Courts and Administration issued this week states that Court proceedings scheduled for this week and the next have been postponed to comply with the state of emergency. 

Signed by M.J.C.A., Chief Executive Officer, Moliei Simi Vaai, stated that Court matters from Monday 23 March to 3 March this year have been postponed until further notice. 

The statement said that probation and parole services as well as the Maintenance section are closed for the period.