Lise Marie Schmidt Reminded to Refrain from Posting Against Witnesses of Fiame Defamation Case

2026-02-02 - 07:08

Monday 2nd February 2026, Mulinuu Courthouse, Apia. The case of Lise Marie Schmidt, charged in relation to allegations that former Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa had been involved in the death of Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, was called before the District Court of Samoa this afternoon. A popular blogger on social media with over 43k followers, Lise Marie Schmidt faces 19 charges, including conspiracy to defeat the course of justice, defamation, and providing misleading information to police. Judge Papalii Alalatoa Rosella Papalii presiding over the matter issued a reminder to Ms Schmidt of the Court orders in place regarding social media postings about the matter before the Court. “You are to refrain from posting any adverse comments against the witnesses or this case,” she said. The accused is also banned from making any statements that could be defamatory or harmful to others. Private Prosecutor Su’a Leone Mailo informed the Court that 14 witnesses would be called by the Prosecution. She also stated that Papalii Sia Figiel, who recently died while in custody at Tanumalala prison, was one of their 14 witnesses. Defense Counsel Maposua Tanya Toailoa appeared for Lise Marie Schmidt, however, she informed the Court that she may be stepping down, as Ms Schmidt was in the process of engaging a lawyer from overseas. The matter has been adjourned to November 2026 to be presided over by Judge Alalatoa Rosella Papalii. Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga as recused herself, as the decision is pending for the 5-week case involving Lise and others.