By: Jasmine Netzler – Iose
Former Prime Minister and Incumbent Leader of the Opposition Party, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi is under police protection.
But he is free to move around. The special protection offered by the Ministry of Police and Prisons is prompted from a public incident last week where the former P.M. was physically confronted in public.
Tuilaepa has since declined to file a formal complaint. But it has not prevented police from initiating security and safety measures for former Government Leaders per standard Police Policy.
Deputy Police Commissioner Papali’i Monalisa Tiai-Keti confirmed that an officer from the Ministry was assigned to this task of providing protection to Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi starting early Wednesday morning hours before the Ministry’s weekly press conference.
The execution of this service depends on the outcome of a threat assessment by the Ministry to warrant a need and is justified by level of risk associated with person assigned with this protection she said.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa is also provided with Close Personal Protection Officers to ensure her safety.
PHOTO: Tusiga Taofiga
