PAGO PAGO (Pacnews) — An unprecedented motion for DNA testing has been filed in the High Court of American Samoa to prove blood ties to a matai, or chiefly, title in dispute.
The motion was filed last week by one of the claimants for the matai title “ava” from Pavaia’i, Akapo Akapo.
Represented by attorney Fepuleai Afa Ripley, Akapo is asking for the DNA tests to prove testimony by some of the claimants in the case that they are descendants or offspring of former holders of the title.
If the court grants the motion, it would be the first time that DNA testing would be introduced in a local court case.
But the people Akapo want to be tested have objected. The court has asked for arguments on the legality of requiring the unwilling parties to be DNA tested and whether the results of the tests can be used in court.
