11 Nov 2008

Samoan lobby group pleased with public support for Keil march

8:52 pm on 11 November 2008

The Samoa lobby group, People Against Switching Sides, or PASS, says it is pleased people took time out on a work day to support a march to present a petition to the US embassy to free MP Hans Joachim Keil.

The associate minister is being held in the US state of Missouri under strict bail conditions as a result of two immigration charges against him relating to his holding of US citizenship.

Mr Keil was one of the ruling party MPs who did not endorse the government's controversial Road Transport legislation, and PASS helped to organise the march.

PASS member Georgina Newton says many others showed up - from young and old to business people, volunteer groups and family members - in support.

"They believe that whatever reason they have for holding Joe Keil is wrong and he should be freed and allowed to return to Samoa."

Georgina Newton of PASS