US based Samoan woman accused of defamation applies to leave jurisdiction

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 29 OCTOBER 2022: The United States based Samoan woman who is facing 26 charges for defamation in the Samoan court, has applied to leave the country after entering a not guilty plea.

She is Perkins Feagiagi Heasdle also known as Salote Syrah Tautai/Perkin Tauvao.

The application was submitted by her lawyer Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio last Friday.

The District Court Judge, Alalatoa Rosella Papalii has set 4 November 2022 for the applicant to file her formal application and the hearing of the application is set for 10 November 2022.

The 26 charges stemmed from social media posts the accused made against the Prime Minister and the Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi political party.