Court rulings reshape political landscape in both Fiji and Sāmoa

Two of the Pacific's most prominent political figures have faced significant court developments this week.

Fiji's former deputy prime minister Professor Biman Prasad was cleared of corruption charges and Sāmoa's Opposition leader and former prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi entered a not-guilty plea in a separate case in Apia.

In Fiji, a Suva magistrate cleared the National Federation Party leader and Finance Minister of two charges brought by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Magistrate Yogesh Prasad ruled on Thursday that Prasad had no case to answer and found that FICAC had failed to prove essential elements of the charges.

Prasad was accused of failing to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts PTE Limited in an annual declaration of assets, liabilities and income, and of recklessly providing false information in a statutory declaration.

Outside court, Prasad thanked his supporters after what he described as a 19-month legal battle.

Watch Professor Biman Prasad address the media outside court in Suva.

"I've said that before, that NFP has fought all elections in this country and so the party is always ready. The party is always prepared," Prasad told the waiting media.

"We may not have done well in some elections, that's fine, but NFP is ready for the next election." His return to frontline politics now appears likely.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed Prasad will return to Cabinet, although he says he will first assess existing ministerial responsibilities and portfolios.

Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed Biman Prasad will return to Cabinet, with Finance, Trade and Commerce among the portfolios being considered. Photo/Facebook/Fiji government

"I do not know yet. I will have to look at what we have in Cabinet and assess what the Minister of Finance has been doing," Rabuka told reporters.

"If that is the best solution, he will be reinstated. Otherwise, he will take back a position in Cabinet."

Rabuka has also indicated where he believes Prasad could make the biggest contribution. "The most appropriate portfolio for him would be Finance, Trade and Commerce," the prime minister said.

FICAC has 28 days to appeal the magistrate's decision.

Across the Pacific in Sāmoa, the political picture is more difficult for another veteran leader.

Tuilaepa has pleaded not guilty to four charges of defamation and harassment using electronic means following a complaint by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

Laaulialemalietoa is the complainant in the defamation and electronic harassment case against Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo/Parliament of Sāmoa

Tuilaepa was not in the Apia District Court for Wednesday's appearance because he is in New Zealand undergoing routine medical checks. His lawyer, Meleisea Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio, entered the plea on his behalf.

Sāmoa Global News reports Meleisea told the court: "Your Honour, through Counsel, Tuilaepa enters a plea of not guilty to all four charges."

The charges relate to remarks allegedly made by Tuilaepa and include offences under sections 117A and 219 of Sāmoa's Crimes Act 2013.

The court was told the case would be heard alongside a separate set of charges brought by the Prime Minister over statements Tuilaepa allegedly made during an online programme on 6 August.

Defence counsel also indicated plans to seek the joining of a third matter brought by Minister of Education and Culture, Aiono Alec Ekeroma.

The court has also imposed a restriction on Tuilaepa's public comments about the Prime Minister while the cases remain before the court.

Judge Talasa Atoa Sa'aga has ordered Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to refrain from public comments about the Prime Minister while the cases remain before the court. Photo/Facebook/bluTV

"I therefore make an additional order that the defendant refrain from making any comments about the complainant and about any matters that are defamatory in nature, or any comments that are against the complainant," Judge Talasa Atoa Sa'aga said in the Global News report.

Tuilaepa's lawyer confirmed his client understood the order but argued that he still had constitutional responsibilities as Opposition leader to comment on matters of public interest.

The defence also raised concerns that the prosecution had not yet provided required translated court documents.

Judge Sa'aga reminded Tuilaepa that he must appear in person when the consolidated matters go to hearing in the first week of March 2027.

For Prasad, the latest court decision clears a major obstacle to a return to government. For Tuilaepa, the court proceedings add another layer to an already closely watched political battle.

Both cases show how courtrooms are once again becoming important stages in Pacific politics with consequences that could extend well beyond the next hearing date.