FAST MPs Plead Not Guilty to Bribery & Treating Charges

Samoa’s court house, Mulinu’u.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 26 MAY 2021: Four Members of Parliament of the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi – FAST party have pleaded  not guilty to the charges of bribery and treating relating to last month’s general election.

All four MP’s including FAST Leader, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Deputy Leader, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao, Toesulusulu Cedric Schuster and Leatinuu Wayne Fong appeared in Court yesterday.

Their not guilty pleas were entered through their lawyer Muriel Lui and noted by Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga of the District Court.

The fifth defendant is Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell who also entered a not guilty plea.

The complainant is a police officer Elikapo Pegi who is represented by former Attorney General, Aumua Ming Leung Wai in the matter against Fiame, Laauli and Cedric.

Lawyer Leinafo Taimalelagi is representing Pegi in the matter against Leatinu’u while Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt is representing Pegi in the matter against Fiu.

All matters are scheduled for hearing in September and October 2021.