Private Prosecutor recruited for Defamation Case against US based Samoan woman

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 26 OCTOBER 2022: Counsel Leinafo Taimalelagi Strictland has been recruited by the Attorney General’s Office to prosecute a defamation case against the United States based Perkins Feagiai Taufao Headle.

The case was transferred from the police to the Attorney General’s office to be prosecuted however, the Attorney General’s office recruited the service of a private lawyer to prosecute the case.

The accused resides in the United States and was visiting families in Samoa when police arrested and charged her over alleged defamatory comments made on social against the ruling Government leaders and the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi political party.

Police have filed 25 charges against her.

The complainant is the FAST Party Secretary, Va’aaoao Salu Alofipo.

Perkins first appeared in Court last week before District Court Judge Alalatoa Rosella Papalii and the matter was adjourned to yesterday so police could finalize the charges.

When it was called, Leinafo appeared for the complainant and asked for an adjournment and the matter will be recalled Friday 28 October 2022.

The accused is represented by Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio who also defended a similar case last month against an Australian based Samoan radio host.