The Ministry of Police and Prisons is beefing up security in Mulinu’u in preparation for Tuesday's Parliament sitting amidst reports of threats targeting certain political leaders being circulated on social media.

The Parliament Speaker, Papalii Lio Masipau, issued a press statement to advise he is aware of the threats being circulated online and cautioned that it “will not bring peace and security to our country”.

Papalii said due to these developments he has decided to prioritise the peace and safety of the members of the public and those who will gather at the Legislative Assembly when it meets. 

Reports of the threats also compelled the Police to lockdown parts of the Mulinu’u peninsula restricting public access to the area. The Police have reaffirmed that they are the principal law enforcement agency in Samoa with the duty to enforce the law, preserve the peace and ensure the safety and security of Samoa and its people. 

The Police also released a statement Monday pointing restrictions to the area following the statement issued by the Speaker’s Office.

The restricted areas include the Tofilau Eti Alesana building, the Parliament House, the lawn in front of parliament and any other buildings, enclosures or open spaces that are considered a compound of the Legislative Assembly.

“Any non-compliance will be dealt with accordingly as per offence of trespass and other possible offences,” said the Police. 

The Police statement also appealed for the public’s support and assistance in observing the notice.

Deputy Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo declined to comment when contacted and instead referred this newspaper to their Facebook post on their preparations for Tuesday. 

Access to the Parliament sitting on Tuesday will be restricted to Members of Parliament who have been sworn-in and are Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) members, heads of Government agencies and the media. 

According to Papalii no stranger will be admitted into the assembly without the authority of the Speaker exercised through the sergeant-at-arms in accordance with part 176 (1) of the Parliament Standing Orders. 

He also made an order to prohibit trespassing on the Legislative Assembly precinct, while the Parliament is in session citing section 191 (1) of Standing Orders, and emphasised that it is crucial that peace is maintained throughout the nation and a peaceful resolution is found to ensure the people are not affected by the political dispute.

Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) leader and former Prime MInister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has made it publicly known that the party has extended the invitation to their constituencies to attend the parliament meeting on Tuesday while calling on the Police to follow the law. 

A live stream of the official opening of the XVII Parliament will be televised and broadcast on radio and Facebook for the public.