Samoa Prime Minister Cleared of All Charges

2026-03-27 - 03:33

APIA, SAMOA — 27 March 2026: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has been cleared of all criminal charges by the District Court, bringing an end to a high-profile case that has dominated Samoa’s political and legal landscape for more than a year. The decision, delivered on Friday afternoon after multiple adjournments, concludes proceedings that stemmed from allegations linked to a 2021 hit-and-run investigation and claims of interference in the administration of justice. La’aulialemalietoa and five co-defendants had faced charges including conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, fabrication of evidence, defamation, and misleading information. All defendants had consistently denied the allegations, however, today Laaulialemalietoa was exhonerated with former MP and Associate Minister of Police, Fepuleai Faasavalu Sua and former Police Officer, Lio Faataumalama Auava. The Court found the other three defendants guilty with Samuelu Sua and his wife Sivai Kepi Mamea guilty of defamation and perversion the cause of justice. Lise Marie Schmidt is guilty of just one count of “hiding Marie” – a witness who Sam claims was with him on the night of the hit-and-run. According to Lise, that was not one of the charges against her. The Prime Minister was formally charged in January 2025, at the time serving as a Cabinet Minister under Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa. The charges triggered one of the most significant political crises in Samoa in recent years, leading to a dramatic split within the ruling Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party which in turn triggered the August 2025 snap elections.