9 Dec 2008

Family of Samoan MP facing US charges pleased with court order

8:13 pm on 9 December 2008

The family of Samoa's Associate Minister of Trade, Hans Joachim Keil, is delighted with a US Magistrate court's order allowing the MP home on bail.

Mr Keil is facing immigration charges in Missouri.

He will be allowed to return to Samoa, until his trial, on payment of ten percent of the bond of 250 thousand US dollars.

The MP's brother, Richard Keil, says it is good news not only for the family, but also for his friends and supporters.

Richard Keil has thanked people for the support given to his brother, including Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, American Samoa's Congressman, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, and the 2 thousand people who took part in a rally.

Richard Keil says finding the money will be difficult but he says they will not ask the government for financial assistance.