One of the men accused over a gunfight at Fasito’outa last year has not had a shower since he was charged and arrested.
The claim was made by lawyer, Maiava Visekota Peteru, when the accused men appeared before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu, this week.
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Malaki Tavita, of Faleatiu and Afega, and Ovaleni Palau Faisauvale, of Faleatiu, face charges involving narcotics and firearms.
Tavita is represented by Maiava while Faisauvale is represented by lawyer, Iuni Sapolu. In the absence of Ms. Sapolu on Monday, Pa’u Tafaogalupe Mulitalo appeared on her behalf.
Given the opportunity to address the Court, Maiava highlighted the plight of her client inside Police custody.
She said the police have not given her client the opportunity to shower since he has been in custody at the beginning of the year.
Pa’u also highlighted issues with his client, Faisauvale. He said Faisauvale was not being fed by the Police and his treatment was very poor.
“It is his family that are providing him with food,” Pa’u said.
Honour Patu questioned the prosecuting lawyer, Rexona Titi, about the allegations. She responded that they have not received any complaints in relation to the claims.
But His Honour was not convinced.
He ordered that the prosecution and the Police must consider the matter because the “allegations are serious.”
The next day in Court, another lawyer from the Attorney General’s Office, Precious Chang, denied the allegations about the food.
She said the accused men were well fed and looked after.
His Honour Patu said this is why he wanted the prosecution to look into the allegation because they raised serious questions about the conditions under which the men were kept.
In the end, he accepted the assurance from Ms. Chang that the men were indeed well looked after.
The matter has been adjourned until next Monday.
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