8 Jul 2020

Samoan man jailed nearly five years too long due to admin error

From , 6:02 am on 8 July 2020

A man in Samoa was kept in jail for nearly five years longer than he should have been, because of what's been described as an administrative error.

Sio Agafili was meant to have been released in December 2015, and the error was only picked up by a judge last week, who ordered his release.

But his lawyer fears there could be plenty more people like Mr Agafili languishing in Samoa's prison system.

Our reporter Jamie Tahana has more details, I asked him about Mr Agafili's circumstances.

Tanumalala high security prison.

Tanumalala high security prison. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tipi Autagavaia