Dear Editor,

Last Thursday, the nation watched on national television as Honourable Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi invited Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt to take an oath of death before God, in the presence of public witnesses, swearing their innocence in the death of the university student Tuuau Faasavalu.

If either of the two is lying, then God’s punishment by death is invoked immediately upon the liar.

More importantly, this reflects the profound depth of religious faith held by our people and the seriousness with which such an oath is regarded in Samoan society.

Yet, while many profess the Christian faith in Samoa, not all live in accordance with the principles they publicly uphold.

This act reflects the gravity of Tuuau's unresolved murder, which hangs over the nation.

The recent decisions by the Court have done little to clear these dark clouds.

Lealailepule was accused by Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party leaders of being involved in the death of Tuuau but was cleared by the Court.

La'auli, who was also charged by the Police for perverting the course of justice in relation to Tuuau's death, was also cleared by the Courts.

However, many questions regarding inconsistencies in the decision have been raised, to the extent that Leala has now appealed to the Court for its consideration.

Until these questions are resolved, Leala and La'auli's reputations remain tangled in a judicial stalemate.

Thus, Leala’s challenge to La'auli to a death oath follows the traditional path taken by chiefs in Samoa to stop the spread of lies by those who commit crimes and threaten the stability of our villages.

It is the ultimate test of truth and faith, invoking a call for divine intervention.

The innocent will have nothing to fear, and the people will bear witness to this resolution before God.

To anyone who may not have understood, this shows the seriousness of Tuuau's case.

In the eyes of Samoa, those who use lies to destroy the lives of others will meet justice, one day, one way or another.

 Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Leader of HRPP