21 Apr 2020

Samoa court sets bail hearing for alleged PM assassin

6:43 am on 21 April 2020

In Samoa, a bail hearing is set for next Friday for a man jointly charged in a plot to assassinate the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.

The accused, Lema'i Faioso Sione, was released from custody in early March, with his co-accused, Malele Atofu Paulo also known as Kingfaipopo when the court granted their bail application.

Lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu, Malele Paulo and Lema'i Faioso Sione.

Lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu, Malele Paulo and Lema'i Faioso Sione. Photo: RNZ Pacific Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

But Lema'i breached one of his bail conditions and was arrested and sent back to custody at Tanumalala prison.

On Monday, Lema'i appeared via video link from prison when his application for bail was called for mention, according to his lawyer.

Court coverage by local media is not allowed because of the five people limit in courts under the state of emergency requirements because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lema'i and Malele's case is scheduled for a full hearing in November.