The two men accused of a conspiracy to assassinate the Prime Minister of Samoa have been granted bail by Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren in the Supreme Court of Samoa this morning.
Malele Paulo also known as King Faipopo and Lemai Faioso Sione are two of three men facing charges of conspiracy to murder Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi.
They have been remanded in custody for over six months and their release on bail follows a hearing held last Friday in closed Court before Justice Tafaoimalo.
Strict bail conditions for both accused have been set. They are to turn in their travel documents, sign in at the police station twice a week, make no contact with the alleged victim and prosecution witnesses and refrain from making public statements on social media regarding Court proceedings.
The two accused were also instructed by Justice Tafaoimalo to stop any associations with the person with whom they are alleged to have conspired, Mr Talalelei Pauga.
Upon request, King Faipopo will sign in at the Lalomanu Police Station while Lemai is able to sign in at the Faleata station.
Outside Court Lemai’s daughter was emotional to see her father. Lemai and Paulo thanked their supporters and members of the SSIG group who had sent money for their court costs.
“Faafetai i le Atua. Faafetai mo tou tatalo ae maise le taumafaiga malosi a le afioga Unasa ina ia maua se saolotoga mo maua.”
Counsel for the two accused Unasa Iuni Sapolu thanked the presiding judge and
“Faafetai i le afioga i le faamasino. This bail decision was based purely in my view on the law, and we got it,” said Unasa.
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