La'auli Leuatea Schmidt in Parliament in 2024 Photo: Facebook / Parliament of Samoa
Samoa's former minister of agriculture and fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt says he will accept the decision for his termination from the role 'with a humble heart'.
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has terminated La'auli as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
La'auli, who is also chairman of the country's ruling FAST party, faces several criminal charges.
La'auli has thanked his supporters on social media and said he believes he is innocent.
He also said: "We will meet in court to uncover the truth."
Police commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino clarifying the charges against La'auli after speculation escalated on social media.
The charges include:
- Three counts of conspiracy or attempt to defeat or pervert the course of justice
- Conspiracy to commit an offence (fabricate evidence)
- Harassment utilizing means of electronic communication
- Three counts of false statement causing harm to a person's reputation
- Two counts of using insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace
