Samoa's chief justice has reversed a decision to release a man on bail who is accused of the manslaughter of an MP's son.
Jeremiah Malaki Tauili'ili. Photo: Supplied
The father of the deceased, MP Sulamanaia Tauiliili Tuivasa, made an appeal in court for him to remain in custody.
Patu Falefatu Sapolu had ruled that Sipaina Savaiinaea could be released on strict bail conditions after no objection from the prosecution.
Mr Savaiinaea is jointly accused of manslaughter as a result of the death of civil engineer Jeremiah Malaki Tauiliili.
Sulamanaia raised his hand for a chance to speak after the chief justice made his initial ruling.
The MP told the court if there is love for the accused the court must consider keeping him in custody because family of the victim are still not happy and are concerned about the death.
The chief justice then changed his decision and said because the incident happened on the first of this month he thinks the families are still upset.
He ruled for the accused to be kept in custody and to find a lawyer to make a proper bail application when the matter is called next Monday.
The other accused, Herman Westerlund, is still on bail after a successful bail application hearing last week.
Both accused have yet to enter a plea, while a third accused, Robert Ash, is on bail and will appear in the district court today on an assault charge.
