Samoa’s Caretaker Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has filed a criminal complaint as well as a civil suit against FAST party Chairman, Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leauatea Polataivao Schmidt.
Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed Fiame has filed a defamation complaint under the Crimes Act, and a Civil claim for damages against the former Minister of Agriculture.
During a FAST roadshow, Laaulialemalietoa accused Fiame of being involved in the death of the late Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, Samoa’s first Professor in the US who was found murdered in her home in May 2024.
A prominent Samoan contemporary novelist, playwright, poet and painter, Papalii Sia Figiel, remains in police custody, charged with the brutal murder of the Professor Gabbard.
Laauli claimed in a public statement during a FAST party rally in Savaii, that there is another witness who has come forward to say Fiame ordered them to remove evidence of the Professor’s death.
“O lea ua iai se isi fo’i alo o Savaii, e ta’u tino; o ia na faatonu e Fiame, e alu e aveese mai faamaumauga o le oti o le fafine lea na maliu,” said Laaulialemalietoa.
“Fea ua fai iai na mea? O fea le ufiufiga o le agasala lea ua fai nei?”
In response, Fiame has called for Laauli to stop with the personal attacks – to play the ball and stick to the issues, and focus their public comments on development plans for Samoa.
“O le tatalo, ao faafofoga mai ia Laauli, tuu ia lea, aua le taaalo i le tagata, ae tatou talanoa i luga o a tatou fuafuaga mo le atunuu, o le mea lena o lea e fia faafogafoga mai iai Samoa.”
Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo says Laaulialemalietoa’s claim is along the same lines as the allegations made by Lise Marie Schmidt earlier this year.
In March 2025, Samoa Police issued a press release confirming the completion of an investigation into serious allegations laid by Lise Marie Schmidt against Fiame.
Police said their investigation was based on a letter they had received from Lise Marie Schmidt, containing serious allegations against the Prime Minister.
“The investigation determined that the claims were false and misleading, with no sufficient evidence to substantiate the claims.”
As a result, Lise Marie Schmidt was charged with conspiring to defeat the course of justice and providing false information to mislead the Police.
Lise’s case remains before the Courts.
Fiame has said enough is enough. That these allegations are not just against herself personally, but more importantly, they are against the Office of the Prime Minister of Samoa.
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