Pauga’s bail could be revoked if lawyer continues with delayed tactics

By Lagi Keresoma

Apia, Samoa – 23 December 2023: Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa has warned defence counsel in the Talalelei Pauga case that any more delays will result in revoking the defendant’s bail.

Justice Tuatagaloa reminded counsels that the matter was adjourned for last Wednesday so prosecution could serve all trial documents to the defence counsel and set a hearing date.

Pauga’s lawyer Tufuga Fagaloa Tufuga did not attend but his legal partner Kata Seiuli appeared on his behalf with instructions to the Court.

Justice Tuatagaloa noted that Seiuli was not fully updated with the case progress and was not aware of some of the issues the Court had already ruled on.

One such issue was the relevance of Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai’s decision on Pauga’s bail to the matter before her.

She also informed counsel of the delays which is prolonging the hearing.

“There is no way the Court will allow delays or intentional delays of this matter,” said Justice Tuatagaloa.

“And if that continues, the Court will review the defendant’s bail.”

Australian citizen Pauga pleaded not guilty to the charge of conspiracy to kill former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and is currently on bail on but that could change if his lawyer tries to further delay court proceedings.

Prosecution informed the Court that all trial documents have been served and that they are ready to proceed with the hearing and they will call 13 witnesses.

The hearing is now set from 18-22 March 2024.

Three of Pauga’s co-defendants are currently serving 4 years imprisonment, but the Office of the Attorney General only managed to extradite Pauga from Australia in late September will have his day in Court in March 2024.