A 49-year-old man charged with threatening to kill Samoa’s Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, has pleaded guilty.
Aumaga Aloalii, of Saleapaga Upolu, and Aua American Samoa faced three charges of threatening to kill, using threatening words and using insulting words.
CEO of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration also the Registrar of the Courts, Papalii John Taimalelagi confirmed that Aloalii entered early guilty pleas at his first appearance before the Court.
“He appeared before the District Court on the 1st of September 2026 and pleaded guilty to all three charges,” said Papalii.
Aloalii was charged on the 17th of August 2026 after a comment on a Facebook post aired on social media between 1 and 16 August.
The video went viral with the accused stating publicly; “Laauli, (swear word), ou te fagā oe pe a e oo atu i Saleapaga lou (swear word).”
The charge of threatening to kill was brought under Section 188(b) of the Crimes Act 2013.
The maximum penalty for threatening to kill under Samoa’s Crimes Act 2013 is five years’ imprisonment.
An affidavit by Police Corporal Frank Aunese formed the basis of the charges and conformed he was at Saleapaga village at the time of the threats.
Just days after Aloalii’s arrest, the Saleapaga Village Council of Chiefs brought a ifoga to the front of the Government Building in Apia.
They begged the Prime Minister’s forgiveness and exchanged words of reconciliation, acknowledging that Susuga Laaulialemalietoa is also a tama fanau and descendant of Saleapaga village.
Minister of Health Hon Va’aaoao Salumālō Alofipō had spoken on behalf of the Prime Minister on that day.
“E ofo le loto, e sola manatu, ua naumati ai fa’alogona, afua i se a? Auā ua fasi pupula lava, a’o tilotilo atu..”
When the Prime Minister spoke that day he expressed deep sadness for what had happened. He acknowledged that the ifoga was reassurance his role as Prime Minister was being protected by Saleapaga, from where he also hails.
“A malu i fale, e malu fo’i i fafo..”
Aloalii is scheduled to appear before the Supreme Court of Samoa for sentencing this month.
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