Former Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has apologised to the Supreme Court of Samoa via submissions presented by his legal team earlier this week.
The Samoa Observer reports that the Human Rights Protection Party leader, (HRPP) and others are accused of obstruction of justice and making public statements that allegedly scandalised the judiciary.
The political upheaval that divided the nation over several months following last year’s April general election triggered a number of legal proceedings between the main political parties, HRPP and FAST (Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi).
Acting for Tuilaepa from New Zealand, lawyer David Gilbertson QC, who joined the sitting virtually, says he regrets making the statements and “unreservedly withdraws them and he apologises to the Court and the Judges”.
Gilbertson submitted that by reason of statement by Tuilaepa he seeks that “no penalty should be imposed upon him.”
Mr Gilbertson also noted a memorandum signed by Tuilaepa and FAST leader, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa in February to discontinue the proceedings to maintain peace and harmony of the nation.
The Court matter was spearheaded by the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and FAST following April’s 2021 general election polling day to preserve law and order.
Other parties who are part of proceedings are; former Speaker of the House, Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi, former Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei and former Attorney General, Savalenoa Mareva Betham-Annandale.
The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on the matter.
It is understood Tuilaepa is in New Zealand citing medical reasons.
