29 Jul 2005

Samoan court grants bail to arson accused

10:34 am on 29 July 2005

Six chiefs and one untitled man from a village in Samoa, held in connection with the burning of a judge's home in their village, have been granted bail.

The police asked the court to adjourn the case for two weeks without pleas so they could wrap up their investigation.

The seven defendants have been remanded at liberty and ordered to surrender all travel documents and sign in with police weekly.

They have been charged with arson and accused of willfully setting fire to the home of Land and Titles Court judge Misa Anae.

Four of the defendants also face charges of resisting arrest.

Judge Vaepule Alo Vaai granted the motion for adjournment and has set down the matter for hearing on August 9th