from university

Western Samoa

Three expelled from university

THREE Western Samoans, who attacked a Fijian student at the University of the South Pacific campus in June causing him to lose his left eye, have been banned and expelled from the university’s Fiji facilities until 1999. USP registrar Sarojini Pillay said Siaumau Faasavalu, Uluipefosi Fa’aloga and Eroni Sitanieli were expelled for “breaching university regulations” in the June 25 attack.

However, the three can resume their studies at any regional USP centre from 1997. The decision was made during the USP’s disciplinary committee meeting. Last month, when the trio appeared before Fijian chief magistrate Sakeo Naqiolevu charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, he gave them a conditional discharge.

Faasavalu, Fa’aloga and Sitanieli attacked Fijian Saimoni Tuiqali, 21, with a broken beer bottle in his dorm room.

Surgeons had to remove Tuiqali’s left eye after the attack. He is currently undergoing medical treatment in Australia.