Bribery charges against Prime Minister withdrawn

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 16 FEBRUARY 2022:  The charges of bribery and treating filed against Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Matafaa have been “withdrawn and dismissed” on an application by the private prosecutor who brought the charges against the defendant.

Counsel for the Prime Minister, Muriel Lui confirmed the charges have been dropped.

Also withdrawn and dismissed were similar charges against the Minister for Agriculture, Laaulialemalietoa Leauatea Polataivao Schmidt and the Minister for Commerce Industry & Labour Leatinu’u Wayne Sooialo.

Fiame and Laauli faced one count each of bribery and treating while Leatinuu faced 14 charges that stemmed from the FAST party road show campaign prior to the April 2021 general election.

The charges against the defendants were brought by a former police officer, Elikapo Peni.