Samoa's Prime Minister says the removal of court files from the Ministry of Justice to the office of the Minister of Justice is justified under the law.
Samoa PM and Police Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegoai Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi told the Samoa Observer that the law gives the Minister of Justice, Fa'aolesa Katopau Ainu'ū, the authority to direct the movement of Court files.
The newspaper had asked why the Government had not acted in relation to Fa'aolesā's role in the removal of files.
An investigation was launched by the Public Service Commission after a ministry driver reported files had been removed and taken to the offices of the minister.
The investigation led to the termination of the CEO, Papali'i John Taimalelagi, but Tuila'epa believes his minister acted within his rights.
He says the law gives the Minister of Justice broad authority to direct the movement of files under the custody of the Registrar.