Samoa’s Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Faaolesa Katopau Ainuu, has commented publicly on the dismissal of the criminal case against him in the District Court of American Samoa.
He said, “It has always been his intention to await the decision from American Samoa’s court, before making any official comment.
“As a lawyer, I am well aware of the pitfalls of commenting on any case which is before the courts and in respect for judicial processes, I have not entertained the numerous attempts by the media to bait me. *
District Court Judge Elvis Patea yesterday granted a motion by the government to dismiss the case against Ainuu who faced charges of embezzlement, criminal fraud and felony stealing after he failed to appear in court to represent a client.
He had apparently been paid $5,000 by the client, who has since passed away.
The minister said in a statement it’s a pity that this issue only surfaced against me after my successful election campaign for Parliament, but I am pleased that the territory’s District Court has made their assessments, cleared the charges and quashed the warrant of arrest.
“As this case has now been dismissed and my name has been cleared, I trust the media and other interested parties will now have more time to provide news coverage on other issues of national importance, and I can focus on my ministerial duties.”
