The man charged for making a defamatory statement against the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges against him.

Malele Atofu Paulo also known as King Faipopo is charged with 13 counts of making false statement with intent to cause harm to the reputation of the Prime Minister.

He entered his plea through lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu before the District Court yesterday. 

District Court Judge, Leota Raymond Schuster presided the matter. 

Lawyer Iliganoa Atoa was the prosecutor. 

Ms. Atoa informed the Court that prosecution is withdrawing 14 duplicated charges against Paulo and will proceed with 13 final charges. 

On the other hand, Unasa said she will seek variation of bail for Paulo and made reference to paragraph of his affidavit claiming the defendant will provide surety. 

Judge Leota adjourned the matter to hear the application next Monday March 18. 

The charges against Paulo stemmed from video posts made on social media where he is alleged to have made several defamatory allegations against Tuilaepa. 

Just last month, a Go Fund Me page was setup for Malele to assist with his bail bond. 

The Go Fund Me page sets a goal of $10,000 and as of yesterday it has already raised $4,117.00