Samoa's Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt has been found not guilty on charges of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. The verdict was delivered by Supreme Court Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke on March 27, 2026, following a trial that began earlier this month.
The charges stemmed from allegations that the Prime Minister attempted to interfere in a separate criminal case involving a former employee of his business. The prosecution alleged he conspired to have a witness change their statement.
In his ruling, Justice Clarke stated the prosecution had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The Prime Minister maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, describing the case as politically motivated.
The acquittal allows La'auli to continue in his role as Prime Minister. The case had been closely watched in Samoa, raising questions about the intersection of politics and the judiciary.
