Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has been cleared of all charges in a high-profile conspiracy case, after appearing in the District Court in Apia with five others over allegations including conspiring to pervert the course of justice, fabricating evidence, harassment and making false, defamatory statements linked to an investigation into an unresolved fatal hit-and-run in Vaitele in 2021.
The court also cleared Fepuleai Faimata Sua, Fataumalama Lio and Lise-Marie Schmidt, while Senior District Court Judge Talasa Atoa-Saaga found Sam Sua guilty of eight counts of defamation and Sivai Kepi guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice.
The judge adjourned her ruling three times before declaring that four of the six accused were innocent, with Laauli having consistently maintained his innocence and said he would be cleared.
Of course he was.
Trying to say your name I just broke my tongue, ay, schmitty?