27 Sep 2006

Samoa Party leader Su'a guilty of bribery

3:19 pm on 27 September 2006

Samoa Supreme court has convicted the Samoa Party leader, Su'a Rimoni Ah Chong, of one charge of bribery.

The charge relates to the gifting of a new TV set by Su'a to one of the electors two days before the election last March.

The Chief Justice, Patu Falefatu Sapolu, has dismissed a second charge related to giving 20 dollars to a voter a month before the poll.

The case was brought by Mulitalo Siafausa Vui, who had lost his seat and his job as government minister after being found guilty of corruption.

Mulitalo's trial had been prompted by corruption claims brought against him by Su'a after he had failed to win the seat.

The chief justice is expected to give Su'a's sentence in two days.