30 Apr 2013

Man accused of illegal circumcisions in Samoa walks free

4:25 am on 30 April 2013

A 68 year-old man in Samoa has walked free after a court dropped 27 charges filed against him.

Fale Esekia was accused of performing circumcisions without any medical background or qualifications.

The incident happened last year in a rural village, which resulted in several young boys being hospitalised as a result of the circumcisions.

The police say Mr Esekia was able to walk free because the boys, who are witnesses in the trial, were unable to attend because of school.

The court ruled that the charges to be withdrawn by leave, which means the police are still able to re-file charges at a time the witnesses will be able to make it to court.