Political activist and commentator Molioo Andrew Mowat was named as the third complainant in a defamation suit against former Prime Minister and leader of the Human Rights Protection Party, Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
Molioo is a frequent guest on televised programs, publicly airing his views on Samoa politics.
Tuilaepa appeared before the District Court of Samoa on Tuesday morning, 7 April 2026 to face defamation complaints filed against him. He was charged by Police in January this year.
Tuilaepa was charged under Samoa’s criminal libel laws for public comments he allegedly made separately against Minister of Health Hon Aiono Alec Ekeroma and Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.
During Court proceedings, however, presiding Judge Alalatoa Rosella Viane Papalii revealed that there was a third complainant, naming Molioo.
Counsel from the Attorney General’s Office told the Court he had no knowledge of Molioo Andrew Mowat being part of proceedings.
“Your Honour I only have two files here with me.”
Prosecution asked for more time to finalise charges and the case was adjourned to the first week of May 2026.
While formerly associated with supporting the FAST party during the 2021 general election, recent posts show Mowat frequently appearing on platforms that critique the Prime Minister and current administration.
A person found guilty of defamation and harrasment faces a maximum three-month prison term.
The defense against defamation, is to prove that what you alleged against a person, is true.
In 2019, Malele Paulo (King Faipopo) who had been a prominent anti-government blogger based in Australia – was found guilty of defamation against then PM Tuilaepa Sailele. King Faipopo had pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced to seven weeks in jail.
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