The defence counsel for Australia-based Samoan broadcasters Toleafoa Saia Toleafoa and Ainuu Iliganoa Savainaea has been given until Tuesday to file his application to quash the charges against his clients.

The husband and wife are charged with defamation for making comments on their online program, which is broadcast from Australia. The complaint in the case was made from New Zealand

Meleisea Mathew Lemisio told the court that the application is on the basis of jurisdiction. He was given until Tuesday to file his application.

The prosecution in the case has been given until Thursday to respond to the application, as it has indicated opposition to the application.

Prosecutor Leone Su'a-Mailo told the court that they are also making an application for the complainant to give evidence remotely without needing to come to Samoa.

The applications were made before District Court judge Papalii Rosella Papalii on Friday.

Both accused are currently in Australia after being granted a bail variation to return to their country of residence.

The case will be called again on 30 April.

They were charged last year when they came to Samoa for a visit.

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

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