Counsels to provide submissions in Talalelei Pauga trial

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 07 FEBRUARY 2022: Counsels involved in the Talalelei Pauga case have been asked to provide submissions by 25 February 2022 before the application to stay proceedings is heard on 28 February 2022.

Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa presided during the criminal mention today.

The application to stay of proceedings is based on Pauga’s appeal against his extradition from Australia to stand trial in Samoa.

The Australian Court ruled in favour of the Samoa Attorney General’s extradition application and that ruling is now set for hearing in March in Australia.

The prosecutor, Lupematasila Iliganoa Atoa said Pauga is currently in custody in Australia as he has not applied for bail.

Pauga is jointly charged with two others in Samoa over a conspiracy to assassinate the former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

No date has been set for the trial of all three defendants until all preliminary matters are settled.