Tuilaepa arrested for breaching court orders

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 13 August 2026: Former Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was arrested today and charged for allegedly breaching court orders.

The Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga confirmed that Tuilaepa was brought into the police headquarters in Apia where he was charged and released this evening and will appear in court on 25 August 2026 to answer to the new charges.

The HRPP Leader is alleged to have breached the court order of 7 April 2026 in proceedings involving the complainants Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and Hon. Aiono Alec Ekeroma.

The court order states that the defendant is prohibited from making any adverse comments against the complainants.

The registrar of the courts however points out that Tuilaepa’s recent comments on social media concerning Laaulialemalietoa appear to be adverse in nature and raise serious concerns as to compliance with the Court’s order.

The hearing of the original defamation case between Tuilaepa and Police is pending in the District Court.