Lise Marie Schmidt to Secure Overseas Lawyer for Fiame Defamation Case

2026-02-02 - 06:49

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. Prosecution is represented by Su’a Leone Mailo, who informed the Court that Papalii Sia Figiel, who recently died while in custody at Tanumalala prison, was one of their 14 witnesses. Maposua Tanya Toailoa appeared for Schmidt, however, the Defense Counsel informed the Court that she may be stepping down, as Ms Schmidt was in the process of engaging a lawyer from overseas. The Court issued a formal order prohibiting Lise Marie Schmidt from posting or sharing any information on social media about the case or any other related matters before the Court. The accused is also banned from making any statements that could be defamatory or harmful to others. 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.