Police confirm charge against King Faipopo

09 February 2019, 12:00AM

The Police yesterday confirmed that Malele Paulo, better known as “King Faipopo,” has been charged with making false statements.

The confirmation from the Police was issued after Mr. Paulo spent Friday night in Police custody following his arrest at the S.N.P.F. Plaza that afternoon. He was released yesterday afternoon to attend his mother’s funeral, but only after he surrendered his passport.

Mr. Paulo who lives in Australia and holds a New Zealand passport arrived on Thursday.

“Because of public interest and media enquiries received, the Samoa Police Service (‘SPS’) can confirm that a Mr Malele Atofu Paulo (m) 45 years of Vailoa Aleipata, has been charged pursuant to section 117A of the Crime Act, with making False Statements with the intention of causing harm to a member of our Samoan communities' reputation, by defaming them,” the Police statement said. 

“Police investigations started in August 2018 when a complaint was filed by Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi with police in relation to alleged defamatory statements, made by the defendant.” 

The Police said Mr. Paulo had publicly said “that the complainant, committed murder, corruption, theft, gun smuggling and other statements that are strongly denied by the complainant. 

“If convicted the defendant is liable to a fine not exceeding 175 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months per charge.”

The Police also used the opportunity to issue a warning about the abuse of social media.

“The damage that defamatory statements on social media outlets and cyber bullying has done to several members of the community is a matter that these laws are designed to address,” the statement said. 

“Where complaints are laid with the police, we will do our best to assist those being victimised on social media platforms by any false statements. “

Mr. Paulo has been remanded at liberty and is scheduled to appear before the Court on 5 March 2019. He has to report to the Criminal Investigation Division every Friday.

09 February 2019, 12:00AM

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