Defamation Case against Tuilaepa adjourned to March 2027

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA — 11 November 2026 – The defamation case against former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has been adjourned for hearing in March 2027.

The matter was recalled for mention at the District Court yesterday but neither the defendant nor the complainant appeared.

The defamation charges against Tuilaepa were lodged by Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt.

Defence counsel Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio told the court that Tuilaepa is currently overseas hence his absence.

Prosecutor Tauvā Laulii Lefauaitu said six charges relating to defamation and harm to the complainant’s reputation had been finalised.

Tuilaepa is also facing one count of breaching a court order to refrain from posting on social media any adverse comments against the people involved in the case.

The Prosecutor applied to have the case heard together with a separate matter involving a complaint by the Minister of Education & Culture, Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma that is scheduled for April 2027.

Senior District Court Judge Talasa Atoa Sa’aga ruled that the cases would be heard separately.

The judge adjourned Tuilaepa’s matter to 1–3 March with the court to hear any additional charges from 6–8 March.

Judge Talasa Atoa also cautioned Tuilaepa to refrain from making comments of a defamatory nature to avoid further charges.