Mulinuu Courthouse Apia Samoa 01 May 2023. The son of a Methodist Church minister appeared in the Supreme Court of Samoa during Monday morning criminal mentions, charged with rape.
It is alleged the accused raped a young woman from the same village that his father is serving as a church minister.
There was a noticeable presence of Congregation members in Court this morning when the accused appeared before Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma.
The accused was unrepresented in Court, which prompted Justice Roma to ask if he wanted a lawyer.
“E tatau ona fai sau loia e tu mo oe ona e fai sina ogaoga o moliaga.”
“You should consider legal Counsel because the charges against you are quite serious.”
The accused told the Court he was unable to afford a lawyer for himself so Justice Roma referred him to the legal aid programme.
The matter has been adjourned for re-mention next week.
Translated from FaaSamoa by Ganasavea Manuia Tafeaga.
