Via Talamua On-line News: Police charge Anti-Vaccine blogger.
APIA, SAMOA – 6 DECEMBER 2019: Police have arrested the 50 year old man who publicly stated on social media with reference to the current vaccination drive that “I’ll be here to mop up your mess. Enjoy your killing spree.”
The comment drew angry responses with one saying the man, Edwin Tamasese had a “God complex.”
A press statement from the Attorney General and Police today confirm that an alleged anti-vaxxer has been charged with incitement against the government vaccination order.
The Deputy Police Commissioner, Papalii Monalisa Tiai Keti confirmed with Talamua that Edwin Tamasese was arrested by police in Savaii yesterday morning.
The statement said a formal complaint was received by the AG from a concerned member of the public and duly referred to the police.
The allegation is that the individual publicly stated with reference to the current vaccination drive “I’ll be here to mop up your mess. Enjoy your killing spree.”
The AG confirmed that “this person who had previously been warned by the Police, has been charged and his bail is opposed for risk of reoffending. He is therefore in custody until the first available Court date.”
This week, police confiscated Vitamin A & C supplements from patients at the Poutasi Hospital. There have been reports of parents of young patients brought in for measles treatment, bringing Vitamin tablets into the National Hospital at Moto’otua.
A young mother whose 5 month old baby is being treated at the Poutasi hospital told Talamua that another patient gave her the tablets.
Last week, Tamasese posted photos of the supplements he had received from the United States. He is in police custody in Savai’i to await his court appearance.