Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has dismissed Laauli Leuatea Schmidt as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries following the announcement of criminal charges against him.
Laauli, who also serves as chairman of the ruling FAST party, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to pervert justice, fabricating evidence, and electronic harassment. He is accused of making false statements to harm reputations and using provocative language to incite breaches of the peace.
A government statement highlighted that Laauli’s dismissal was “inevitable,” citing the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. The decision was made under Article 33 of the Samoan Constitution, which allows a minister’s office to be vacated.
The charges against Laauli stem from a 2017 incident in which he resigned as agriculture minister after allegations of obtaining money by deception. Unlike the past, Laauli has not stepped down amid the current charges.
Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino clarified the allegations after widespread speculation on social media. In response, Laauli declared his innocence in a social media post.