King Faipopo has a new lawyer

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 01 September 2020, 9:20PM

Former District Court Judge and lawyer, Lefau Harry Schuster, has stepped in to represent one of four men accused of conspiring to murder Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. 

Lefau is now representing Paulo Malele, who is better known as King Faipopo.

This was confirmed by Unasa Iuni Sapolu, who had previously represented Malele and co-defendant, Lema'i Faioso Sione. 

Asked for a comment, Lefau said Unasa had withdrawn as counsel so she could focus on Lemai due to the gravity of the allegations.

Malele and Lemai have pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiring to murder Tuilaepa. They are scheduled to face trial in November this year.  

Meanwhile, third defendant Taualai Leiloa has already entered a guilty plea to the same charges. He will be sentenced in November.  

The fourth accused Talalelei Pauga remains outside of jurisdiction with Attorney General's Office filing for his extradition. 

Malele and Lemai had recently applied to leave jurisdiction for Australia but was denied by the Supreme Court.  

 

 

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 01 September 2020, 9:20PM

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