The American Samoan Governor Togiola Tulafono has signed into law a bill which makes stalking a crime in American Samoa.
The governor said the anti stalking law and protection for victims of stalking appear to be an unfortunate necessity in the territory.
He says older ideas and values about the respect that ought to be afforded to individuals and their property, and what conduct is proper, continue to be eroded or are replaced by more modern, less traditional attitudes.
He commended the legislature for passing the bill.
Under the new law a person commits the crime of stalking if they follow another person in close proximity, or directing verbal, written or other threats to that person over a period of time, causing reasonable fear to the person stalked, a member of their family or an acquaintance.
