29 Dec 2004

American Samoa police accused of beating up young man

11:17 am on 29 December 2004

In American Samoa, an 18 year old male who was admitted to hospital with a broken jaw has alleged that he was beaten up by police.

The victim has told medical personnel treating him that he was picked up by police in front of the theatre in Nu'uuli on Christmas Eve.

He admits he was intoxicated but claimed that he was not doing anything to warrant being handcuffed and assaulted by the officers.

Reports from LBJ Hospital say the victim suffered a broken jaw and his face is covered with injuries.

Meanwhile two other two young men have needed surgery for hand injuries they received from an exploding cherry bomb near Jefferies Restaurant early Christmas morning.

Cherry bombs are illegal but every Christmas and New Year holiday the explosives are heard and seen in neighborhoods.