At least 30 inmates in Samoa have testified before a commission of inquiry investigating corruption and abuse of power at Tafaigata prison.
More prisoners are to give evidence in the coming weeks of the four-month inquiry scheduled to be completed in December.
The commission of inquiry has written to the prison authorities urging them to provide fair treatment for inmates who are giving evidence.
A source says the commission's letter was in response to concerns raised over fear that inmate's evidence might result in some kind of harsh treatment by prison authorities.
A lawyer assisting the inquiry says most of the prisoners were called on request of the commission, with some testifying willingly.
