BBC News Online: World: Asia-Pacific

Samoa politicians guilty of murder

Dismissed Women's Affairs Minister, Leafa Vitale, 57, and ex-Communications Minister, Toi Aukuso, 68, face the death penalty for the murder of Luagalau Levaula Kamu, 44, during a political gathering last July.

The prosecution alleged that the public works minister was murdered to try to prevent him from revealing widespread corruption and misuse of public funds. Both men denied the charges.

If the presiding judge, Justice Andrew Wilson, confirms the verdicts on Thursday, then he must impose the death penalty - the only sentence for murder in Samoa.

Gunman as witness

However, Samoa has not hanged anyone in 37 years of independence.

Previous death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment, including that of Alatise Leafa Vitale, 34, eldest son of Leafa Vitale, who last year pleaded guilty to shooting the minister in the back.

He gave evidence against his father in this trial.

The Samoan Supreme Court was crowded as the jury delivered its verdict, with many spectators gathered outside.

There was no immediate reaction from the government.

The murder was Samoa's first political killing since the former German and New Zealand territory gained independence in 1962.