Samoa’s Commissioner of Police suspended

Samoa’s Cabinet has confirmed the suspension of Police Commissioner Fuiavailiili Egon Keil pending the result of charges filed against him in court.

The suspension with pay is for an initial period of three months, whilst charges filed against Fuiavailiili undergo standard judicial process, and is effective immediately.

A Cabinet statement said the suspension is in line with standard procedures to ensure fair and independent review and resolution of his case.

The duties and responsibilities of the Commissioner of Police will be rotated every month amongst Assistant Commissioners - Afamasaga Michael Soonalole, Fauono Talalelei Tapu and Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu, beginning with Afamasaga.

RNZ reported earlier this week that Keil was served with four criminal charges over an unlawful arrest by the police of a man at the Fugalei market last year.

He is facing one charge of unlawful detention, one of perjury, as well as one of providing false statements and disorderly conduct.

A senior lawyer and prosecutor of the National Prosecution office said Keil is charged under the Ombudsman Act, Crimes Ordinance Act and the Police offences Act.