Member of Parliament for Salega No.1 Fepuleai Faasavalu Faimata Su'a was granted permission to leave the country on special conditions by the District Court on Tuesday.

His lawyer, Muriel Lui if Fepuleai's made the application to vary the bail conditions so Fepuleai could travel to Australia for a family emergency.

Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga granted permission for Fepuleai to leave Samoa on special conditions.

Judge Talasa told the defendant that he was to leave Samoa on 10 November and return by 22 November.

Fepuleai was told that if he failed to return on the given date by the court severe conditions would be added to his bail.

Representing the prosecution was Shane Wulf on behalf of Leinafo Taimalelagi who is prosecuting this matter between Fepuleai and others.

Fepuleai is facing one count of fabricating evidence, and one of conspiracy to defeat the course of justice.

The M.P. for Salega No.1 is facing 18 individual and joint charges ranging from perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to commit an offence.

He pleaded not guilty plea to the charges and the trial has been scheduled for May. 

The charges are connected to allegations the M.P. allegedly conspired with other defendants he is jointly charged with to blame an opposition member for a hit and run case in 2021 that remains unsolved.    

Fepuleai is charged alongside Samuelu Sua also known by several names, Sivai Kepi Mamea, Lisamarie Schmidt, and Li’o Faataumalama Auava. 

The accused are charged with offences which include misleading police, fabricating evidence, and conspiracy to defeat the course of justice amongst others. 

All but Sua have been granted bail in this matter which will go to trial in May next year. An initial trial date for this year was vacated as the defendants appealed for more time given the King's Counsel they had hired required more time.