The Appeal Court in Samoa has thrown out the appeal by the Speaker Papali’i Ta’eu Masipa’u against the Supreme Court decision to reinstate Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and HRPP secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, ending the long running contempt of parliament saga in the country’s political history.
The Appeal Court also allowed the cross appeal by Tuilaepa and Lealailepule and “declared that the decision of the House on 18 October 2022 to suspend them from Parliament had no basis in law and was accordingly void.”
It also declared that the respondents are entitled to be paid their Parliamentary salaries and allowances for the period of their suspension, “and it is ordered that they be paid forthwith.”
The Appeal Court also ordered the Speaker to pay costs of $5,000 tālā to the respondents, and $10,000 tālā in the Supreme Court together, in both cases, with disbursements to be fixed by the Registrar if not agreed.
At a press conference yesterday, Tuilaepa and Lealailepule welcomed the decision and called on the country to respect the rule of law and they, as the opposition, will watch government and make sure they stay within the law.
The hearing was held November 23, 2023, and the decision was reserved and delivered yesterday, February 5 in Samoa.
