The case against Opposition Leader Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi over statements he allegedly made about the Prime Minister was adjourned again when it was called before the District Court on Tuesday, 6 October.

Police charged Tuilaepa on 13 August 2026 with four counts of defamation and one count of harassment using electronic means.

The charges stem from a press conference broadcast on social media on 6 August, during which he allegedly called Prime Minister, Susuga La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt a liar and also accused the Prime Minister and his Government of misusing public funds.

At Tuesday’s hearing, defence counsel Meleisea Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio informed District Court Judge Talasa Atoa-Saaga that Tuilaepa was unable to attend because of poor health.

“Your Honour, we have an application to make for the non-appearance of my client due to his health, and we have a medical report from his doctor to support our application,” Meleisea said.

Judge Saaga granted the application.

“The defendant’s non-appearance before the Court is excused,” she said.

Counsel from the Attorney General’s Office then sought a further adjournment to finalise the charges.

“Your Honour, we would like to request a two-week adjournment so we can finalise the charges,” Prosecution counsel Paulo Paramore said.

The prosecution had made a similar request when the matter was called on 26 August. At that appearance, Tuilaepa’s lawye told the Court his client was ready to enter a plea, but the prosecution was not yet prepared to proceed.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to 6 October for the prosecution to finalise the charges.

The case has been scheduled to return to Court in three weeksm 27 October 2026.

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