Judge Needs More Time to Review Submissions from Lawyers
2026-02-27 - 05:56
The District Court has further adjourned the matter and the handing down of its decision in the high-profile conspiracy case involving Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and five others. Senior District Court Judge Talasa Atoa-Saaga announced that she would deliver her ruling on Friday 20th of March 2026. Speaking in Court, Judge Atoa-Saaga acknowledged that the country, the families of the defendants, and the accused themselves are all waiting anxiously for the outcome. “I know it is not easy for you to wait,” she said. The Judge explained that the final submissions from all the lawyers were detailed and complex, making it a difficult task to carefully review everything before writing her decision. “That is why I need extra time.” Closing submissions from lawyers were originally scheduled for September 2025 but were delayed until November because the Prosecution had not filed all necessary documents. Judge Atoa-Saaga called for the parties’ patience and understanding in announcing the necessary adjournment. As she closed, Judge Atoa-Saaga asked all those present in her packed-out Court room for prayers. “Please remember me in your prayers..” Background The Prime Minister is accused alongside five co-defendants; Fepuleai Faimata Sua, Fataumalama Lio, Lise-Marie Schmidt, Sam Sua and Sivai Kepi. The charges include fabricating evidence, conspiring to pervert the course of justice, and defamatory libel against the Opposition HRPP secretary and long serving Member of Parliament Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, and the former Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo. The charges stem from an investigation launched by La’aulialemalietoa into an unresolved 2021 hit-and-run death of a student in Vaitele. Laaulialemalietoa and others allege that Sam had witnessed the hit and run implicating Lealailepule in the death of the teenage boy. However police investigations say the witnesses’ evidence was fabricated. The trial completed its hearings in May 2025. However Defense Counsels’ final submissions were delayed, due in November 2026. Defense counsel Richard Marchant argued that the evidence against La’auli is “baseless” and that the prosecution failed to prove charges beyond a reasonable doubt. La’aulialemalietoa has maintained his innocence, assuring the public he will let the court process take its course. The case has caused tension, as the Prime Minister also holds the portfolio for Police. This case is separate from a civil defamation lawsuit filed against La’aulialemalietoa by former Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa in October 2025 regarding allegations made during an election rally.