Samao’s prime minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, used biblical scripture to defend his writing a letter of support for a man convicted of rape in New Zealand.

He has also questioned the validity of the conviction saying the man he wrote in support of, Fatu Seti, could not speak “proper English”.

“There are some areas that the judges may not understand,” said the prime minister.

“So from what I see, there is a big possibility that a decision might be erroneous and that is why I wrote suggesting to deport him if found guilty.”

Tuilaepa also suggested that the truth does not always win during court cases: “In these arguments, if you are good at lying, you can get away with it.”

Seti fled New Zealand eight years ago when he was accused of raping a 19-year-old woman from Waiheke Island.

Extradited to face trial, he was sentenced by the Auckland District Court this month to four years and seven months in prison. The sentence was later increased to nearly six years.

Last week, Opposition leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II, attacked the letter of support from Tuilaepa calling it “disgraceful and inappropriate”.

Palusalue said that no other country would see its leader writing letters of support for a sex offender.

He also criticized the Speaker, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao, and an unnamed police chief for writing character references for Seti.

But Tuilaepa was unrepentant. In response, he turned to the Bible for justification. He said that Gospel teachings are to help anyone, even prisoners.

Whether a man is convicted of rape or murder, it is all the same, said Tuilaepa.

“My letter to the judges suggested that if they find him guilty, they can deport him back to Samoa,” he said

“This is a common thing in New Zealand and America, that if they find a Samoan guilty they can deport them back to his country.”

Tuilaepa suggested that the opposition criticism represents a failure to live by the gospel.

“I’m saddened by Palusalue because he is a deacon for his parish.”

“One of the prisoners that was crucified with Jesus, Jesus told him that ‘today we will be together’. So if we follow what Palusalue says, then he’s saying that Jesus should say ‘go to hell’.

“This is not what we’re being taught – if the prisoner needs help, help him.”

Tuilaepa also pointed out that Seti’s talent as a fire dancer has helped Samoa in terms of attracting tourists.