Judge Talasa Atoa-Sa'aga recused herself from Lise-Marie Schmidt's case, in which she is charged with making false allegations against the former Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. Senior District Court Judge Papalii Rosella Papalii is now presiding over the case.

Her reasons for recusal were that she had presided over a separate case where Schmidt was a co-defendant with Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and four others.

However, Judge Sa'aga has not recused herself from Laaulialemalietoa's other matter, where he is individually charged. According to the charges, two police officers complained that Laaulialemalietoa made claims that they took bribes to stop investigating the death of a teenager killed in a hit and run in 2021.

Judge Papalii adjourned Schmidt's matter to November after hearing from both counsel.

Prosecutor Magele Leone Su'a-Mailo has confirmed she'll be calling 14 witnesses and has confirmed that one of her key witnesses, Papalii Sia Figiel has passed away.

Moreover, Maposua Tanya Toailoa told the court that she might not continue as Schmidt's counsel because she wants to engage an overseas counsel.

Judge Papalii reminded Schmidt of the strict court orders regarding her posting on social media.

She is to refrain from posting any adverse comments against the witnesses or the complainant in this case.

Schmidt was initially charged by police in March of last year following two letters she penned that accused Fiame of involvement in the death of Dr Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard. 

She alleged having conversations with the former Prime Minister and meetings where she claimed she was instructed to retrieve evidence connected to the death of Professor Gabbard. 

Following a police investigation into the claims, the charges were laid. Former Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said at the time, the claims from Schmidt were unsubstantiated and could not be verified. 

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa did not file a complaint against Schmidt. However, she noted police had concluded the investigation and the allegations were untrue, and she would not waste her time on pursuing it.

Prosecutor Su'a-Mailo confirmed that former Prime Minister Fiame is among the witnesses for this matter.