20 Sep 2006

Verdict in Samoa bribery case expected next week

8:46 am on 20 September 2006

Samoa's Chief Justice, Patu Falefatu Sapolu, is to deliver his decision over bribery charges against the Samoa Party leader, Su'a Rimoni Ah Chong, next week.

Lawyers early this week made final submissions after four days of hearing over two charges of bribery filed against Su'a by former government minister, Mulitalo Siafausa Vui, who was himself found guilty last month of bribery in an election court ruling.

The former minister of Telecommunications and Broadcasting had filed two charges in the criminal court against the Samoa Party leader and former government controller and chief auditor after his parliamentary seat was declared void as a result of Su'a's election petition.

Su'a has been charged after he purchased a brand new TV set and gifted 20 US dollars to a family of his village of Lano before the election.