A camera belonging to the Samoa Observer that was seized by police during Parliament sittings was returned on Wednesday, with officers saying Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt had instructed them to return it the previous day but they were “busy”.

Police officer Fiaalii Samuelu, who is part of the Prime Minister’s security detail, said the order to return the camera was given on Tuesday after it was taken.

“The Prime Minister told us to bring the camera back yesterday (Tuesday) but we were so busy,” Samuelu said.

Samuelu and another officer arrived at the Samoa Observer office in Vaitele at about 2.30pm on Wednesday in a black police Hilux pickup truck to return the device, which had been placed inside a white A3 envelope.

The camera had earlier been forcefully taken from Samoa Observer photographer Keith Ropati outside the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi Building where Parliament is temporarily sitting while new legislative offices are under construction.

After taking the camera, Samuelu handed it to Constable Luka Tagata, another officer attached to the Prime Minister’s security detail, who took it into an elevator with the Prime Minister as he left the building.

Samuelu said the camera was seized because the photographer continued taking photos of the Prime Minister despite being told not to.

“I told the photographer not to take photos of the Prime Minister if he arrives, but instead he was still taking photos of the Prime Minister,” Samuelu said.

When asked why the Samoa Observer should not photograph the Prime Minister during Parliament sittings, Samuelu said it was “for his safety.”

“Sorry the camera was supposed to be returned yesterday but we were so busy,” he said before leaving.

When the camera was checked after being returned, it appeared intact and still contained images taken earlier.

However, the final photograph taken before the camera was seized showing the Prime Minister arriving at the building was missing.