Samoa's head of state, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, has granted amnesty to 35 prisoners to show forgiveness as part of 50 years of independence celebrations.
He told the thousands of people who had gathered at parliament grounds, that in times of high celebration in Samoa, especially at the village or national level, there is a belief in forgiveness and mercy.
He said then those who were punished would then be released, and those banished were then invited to return to the fold.
"On this 50th anniversary of our independence our government offers amnesty to 35 prisoners in remembrance of this message."
Samoa's head of state, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.
