Court of Appeal Orders AG’s Office to Release Transcript to Defense

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 10 June 2025: The Court of Appeal has ordered the Attorney General  to release copies of transcripts from the Talalelei Pauga conspiracy to murder case to the defense counsels.

The Court of Appeal made the order yesterday after they reviewed and perused the defense submissions for the transcripts.

According to the defense submission, another lawyer who acted for Talalelei at the time had requested for the transcript however, Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa who handled the matter then declined the request.

Presiding Justices of the Court of Appeal wanted to know the reason why and the Attorney General’s representatives said they were not privy to the information and said it was a decision by the court.

The Court of Appeal then ordered the disclosure of the transcript to defense citing that it is necessary.

They also made an order for the trial to be heard on 6 October 2025 and there will be no more adjournment.

Pauga  is  the 4th man accused of conspiracy to murder former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. The other three defendants are currently serving jail sentences and will be out soon while Pauga’s case is yet to be heard.

Pauga is an Australian citizen and was extradited from Australia in August 2023 to stand trial in Samoa.

In April 2024, Talalelei applied to recuse Justice Tuatagaloa from presiding over his matter.

The Court of Appeal presiding Justice includes Justice Harrison, Justice Young, Justice Asher and Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma.

The Court of Appeal continues this week.