Australia-based Samoan broadcasters Toleafoa Saia Toleafoa and Ainuu Iliganoa Savainaea have applied to leave the country. The application was made before District Court judge Papalii Rosella Papalii on Tuesday.

Toleafoa and Ainu'u also applied for bail variation on the prohibition of continuing their programme.

Judge Papalii adjourned the matter for the hearing on the application to leave jurisdiction and also bail variation to continue the Maota o Vi'iga programme online.

Toleafoa and Ainu'u are charged with defamation by electronic means.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charges against them on Tuesday, and Judge Papalii has set the hearing for 20 July 2026.

While permitting the continuation of the couple’s weekly online session last Tuesday, the court imposed strict conditions.

“You are strictly prohibited from making any adverse publications against the complainant or any other person on any social media platform, including print, no photos, or video,” the judge said.

When Toleafoa attempted to address the court about their program last week, Judge Papali‘i directed him to allow their lawyer, Meleisea Mathew Lemisio, to speak on their behalf.

Meleisea described Maota o Viiga as a program that discusses general current affairs.

“What kind of current affairs? Is it about health?” the judge asked.

“General issues,” the lawyer replied.

Judge Papali‘i noted that the court would be monitoring the nature of their program, permitting it to continue under the condition that no further negative or defamatory remarks are made against any individual.

Police did not oppose the continuation of Maota o Viiga as long as the couple adhered to the court’s order.

Both Toleafoa and Savaiinaea were released on bail, with conditions requiring them to surrender their travel documents and report to the Apia Police Headquarters every Friday.

The prosecutor for this matter is Leone Su'a-Mailo. 

The case stems from a complaint lodged from New Zealand.