Sāmoa Prime Minister’s conspiracy case ruling postponed again

The District Court decision in the conspiracy case involving Sāmoa’s Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, has been postponed until 20 March. This is the third postponement for the high-profile case.

According to the Sāmoa Observer, District Court Judge Talasa Atoa-Saaga adjourned the matter and says she requires additional time to complete her written decision. Talasa told the court that “the final submissions delivered by all counsel make it a difficult task to review, and that’s why I need extra time to finish writing my decision”.

Laaulialemalietoa is facing criminal charges, including conspiracy and attempts to pervert the course of justice. The case stems from his criticism of Sāmoa Police’s handling of an unsolved 2021 hit-and-run in the village of Vaitele, which later became central to the charges.

The Prime Minister was charged in January 2025. Former Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataafa says he sought intervention in the matter and refused to step down from his Cabinet position when asked.

His subsequent dismissal triggered a split within the Faatuatua i le Atua Sāmoa ua Tasi (FAST) party and a chain of events that led to the dissolution of Parliament in June and a snap election in August.

Laaulialemalietoa has consistently maintained that the charges are politically motivated.

Laaulialemalietoa at Sāmoa's Courthouse in Mulinuu. Photo/TV1 Sāmoa

In a Radio Polynesia livestream, the Prime Minister addressed supporters gathered outside the courtroom following the adjournment. He led a prayer, calling for the right decision and for an end to what he described as turmoil surrounding the case.

He told supporters that Justice Talasa’s decision to take additional time was the correct course and should be respected.

“It’s not an easy decision to make. We pray for God’s guidance as she carries this burden,” he said.

Watch (Sāmoan) PM Laaulialemalietoa address supporters outside the courtroom below:

“Thank you all for your support. Today is our usual day of fasting, and it is my belief that nothing bad has ever happened on our fasting days.

“We are only six months into our administration, and it has not been easy.”

The case has been closely watched in Sāmoa and across the Sāmoan diaspora, given its legal implications and the political upheaval that followed the initial charges.

The District Court’s decision will determine the next phase of a rare criminal case involving a sitting Prime Minister.