Leader of the Human Rights Protection Party, Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was today arrested and charged with defamation towards Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.
The charges relate to allegations made by Tuilaepa during a televised press conference with local media held last week on Thursday 6th August 2026 at the HRPP headquarters.
During that press conference, the Opposition Leader calls the Prime Minister a liar (pepelo) and also alleges that the Prime Minister and his Government are misusing public funds.
“Ua pepelo i lea mea, pepelo i lea mea. O le Palemia lenei ua maoa’e le pepelo..”
Tulaepa alleged that Laaulialemalietoa’s comments regarding Australia withholding funds for rugby development because they lacked confidence in Lakapi Samoa, were lies.
Tuilaepa says nothing of the sort happened. “E leai, o le makua pepelo o legei Palemia. E leai se upu faapega. Lea la ou ke lu’ia ai. Afai o iai se upu faapega.. Laauli, alu e aumai e faasalalau mai..”
The Court Registrar confirmed that Tuilaepa faces four charges of defamation and one charge of harassment utilizing means of electronic communication.
It is the second time this year Tuilaepa has been charged under the Criminal Libel Act for defamation and harassment. He currently also faces four counts of defamation and harassment against Minister of Education and Culture, Hon Aiono Alec Ekeroma.
The Court Registrar confirmed that the former Prime Minister was released on the bail today under the same conditions which had been set for the pending defamation charges.
Those bail conditions include surrendering travel documents which is already being held, and a stop from making any further defamatory comments.
“Additional charges can therefore be expected for breach of bail conditions.”
Under Section 117A of Samoa’s Crimes Act 2013 (reintroduced via parliamentary amendment in late 2017) – publishing false information about another person with the intent to harm their reputation is a criminal offense.
The defense to defamation is truth. Truth is a valid defense under the Law, if the accusations or published information is proven to be true.
However if convicted, the penalties for criminal defamation in Samoa is a fine not exceeding 175 penalty units and a prison term not exceeding 3 months.
