Lise Schmidt, who is facing 19 criminal charges, has pleaded not guilty to all allegations through her legal counsel. Her case has been scheduled for a hearing in February 2026.

Schmidt is accused of making false allegations against caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and is facing charges of conspiracy and attempt to defeat the course of justice by making false allegations and complaints to police.

She appeared before District Court Judge Alalatoa Rosella Papali’i on Tuesday, represented by lawyer Tanya Toailoa. The matter has been adjourned for hearing before Judge Alalatoa as a special fixture from 2 to 6 February 2026. The prosecutor in the matter is Leone Su’a.

Schmidt was initially charged by police in March following two letters she wrote, in which she made serious allegations accusing the caretaker Prime Minister of involvement in the death of Dr. Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard.

She claimed to have had conversations with the Prime Minister and to have attended meetings where she was allegedly instructed to retrieve evidence connected to the death of Professor Gabbard.

Playwright Sia Figiel was charged with the murder of Professor Gabbard and remains in custody pending her trial.