A man on trial in Samoa for posting comments online last year attacking the government's measles vaccination program is seeking the recusal of yet another judge presiding over his case.
This handout picture released from UNICEF Samoa shows nurse April Wilson (L) and team leader Luisa Popo preparing vaccinations during a nationwide campaign against measles in the Samoan town of Le'auva'a. Photo: AFP PHOTO / ALLAN STEPHEN / UNICEF
Edwin Tamasese's defense lawyer has applied for recusal of Justice Alalatoa Rosella Papalii because of her connection to the Minister of Police.
The Minister was involved in the state of emergency declared by the government in response to the deadly measles outbreak which killed 83 people, most of them children.
Two other judges on the case have already been recused due to conflicts of interest.
The new recusal application will be heard in three weeks time.