The leadership of Samoa’s opposition Human Rights Protection Party, including former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, his Deputy Lauofo Pierre Lauofo and party secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi are to be investigated for treason and defamation.
Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt last night moved a motion for the trio to be investigated and charged for making defamatory remarks against the government as well as treason.
In a ten minute ministerial speech, Laauli said that since the 2021 elections where Tuilaepa and HRPP lost power after 22 years, the defamatory and slanderous remarks had the three charged for contempt of court and Tuilaepa and Lealailepule were convicted.
According to Talamua Media Online, Laauli said it did not stop there, as the alleged defamatory and treasonous statements continued on mainstream and social media until last year’s elections when Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party convincingly defeated HRPP.
He said he originally thought to take this action during the end of year session in December 2025.
“However, the spirit of Christmas prevailed then, and I thought that maybe the spirit would end the antagonism and heal the division,” he said.
However, in a heated exchange in parliament on Wednesday night and yesterday’s morning session Tuilaepa again called Laauli a liar and Lealailepule said that Laauli’s term as Prime Minister will be short-lived.
Laauli said there are 200 pieces of evidence of media and public statements that will be handed to the Speaker to be investigated by the Privileges Committee of Parliament for any breaches.
He also said the same evidence will be submitted to the Attorney Generals’ Office for investigation for defamation and treason.
Photo: Talamua Media
