Pacific

Police in Samoa to investigate flag flown half mast at Deputy Speaker's properties

12:34 pm on 10 June 2010

The Police in Samoa are considering investigating the hoisting of the flag at half mast on the properties of the parliamentary deputy speaker, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao.

A police spokesperson and assistant police commissioner, Leaupepe Fatu Pula, says it's a criminal offence under the Flag of Samoa Act for anyone who disrespects the flag.

Sources told the police the flag was flown half mast when the deputy speaker left the country two weeks ago for New Zealand to attend the funeral of his brother.

Leaupepe Fatu Pula says an investigation should be carried out because the flag can only be flown at half mast at the funerals of top government officials.

People found guilty under the breaches of the Flag Legislation can be fined or jailed or both.