A District Court Judge in Samoa has thrown out a “no case to answer” submission filed by a Sydney based Samoan radio broadcaster, against a criminal libel charge filed by the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi Party.
Samoa Observer reports that District Court Judge Mata’utia Raymond Schuster, told a packed courtroom, yesterday, that there is a case to answer and called for final submissions after the defense opted not to call any witnesses.
Broadcaster Tiumalumatua Maifea Fetu has pleaded not guilty to one count of criminal libel of defaming the FAST party leadership.
He’s alleged to have called leaders of the FAST party arrogant and liars on a live radio program he hosted in Australia.
He is represented by lawyers Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio and Fuimaono Sefo Ainu’u, while Jacek Tuala and Superintendant Sala’a Salale Sala’a are prosecuting.
Tiumalumatua is also accused of making unrighteous decisions which, he said, led to the change in the government led by the FAST party.
The FAST party is claiming the comments tarnished their reputation, will impact the results of the next general election and affect their families, as well as the government.
Faimalomatumua argued that the views of Tiumalumatua are his own opinion and he has a right to express his opinion.
Final submissions will be heard on Wednesday.
