Caretaker Prime Minister & former Speaker Served Contempt of Court Summons

Caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi & former Speaker Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi facing Contempt of Court charges.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 09 JUNE 2021: Contempt of court summons have been served on the Caretaker Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi; former Speaker Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi; Attorney General Salevanoa Mareva Betham Annadale and the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Tiatia Gramme Tualaulelei.

The contempt of court application was filed by the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party based on issues that stemmed from the respondents not complying with Court orders such as the convening of Parliament on 24 May 2021.

Rather than convening Parliament, the former Speaker issued a notice postponing the meeting of Parliament and the swearing in of members.

Despite the Court declaration, Parliament was locked and under police guard and the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly failed to assist and the FAST party resorted to holding the swearing in of members under a tent outside parliament.

The Clerk, Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei told the FAST Party members that his hands were tied and he took his orders from the minister of the Legislative Assembly who is the caretaker Prime Minister.

The summons were served yesterday and FAST lawyer, former Attorney General, Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latū confirmed the matter will be called for mention next Monday, 14 June 2021.