11 Jun 2008

Samoa's Supreme Court wants a politician to explain why he wants an overseas judge

9:56 am on 11 June 2008

Samoa's chief judge, Patu Tiava'asu'e Falefatu Sapolu has asked lawyers representing, Asiata Saleimoa Vaai, why he wants his legal action against the government to be heard by an overseas judge.

Opposition MP, Asiata who is the leader of the Samoa Democratic United Party, through his lawyers, has also asked for his two counts of contempt of court to be heard by an overseas judge.

The preliminary hearing of the case has been adjourned to the 23rd of this month for the SDUP plaintiff to provide a written response.

But Asiata says the simple reasons for his application was that all judges of the Supreme Court including the chief judge have conflicts of interest in all of his cases.

The SDUP leader has filed eight legal actions against the government where the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, and the speaker of parliament, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, are defendants.