Samoa's customary law questioned after 72-year-old man is bashed and hogtied

Apia, SAMOA — The brutal treatment of an elderly man who was beaten, tied to a stick by his wrists and ankles and carried like a pig through his village has shocked Samoa.

Video footage taken of the incident in Savai'i earlier this month has gone viral on social media and sparked a debate about customary law. 

The 72-year-old man was taken to hospital after he was allegedly bashed, hog-tied and banished by local men on the orders of the village council.

Police have charged 12 men over the incident, including one with attempted murder.

Listen to the full report at ABC.net.au