Dear Editor,

At what point do we say enough is enough?

Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt facing a staggering 16 criminal charges, including conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, defamation, harassment, and using insulting words intended to provoke violence. These aren’t minor allegations and yet, despite the gravity of the case, and despite being out on bail under strict conditions, Laauli continues to behave as though the law doesn’t apply to him.

One of the key bail conditions was crystal clear - do not discuss the case on social media.

And yet, here we are. Post after post, appearance after appearance, Laauli has continued to speak publicly about the case, using social media as a platform to defend himself, spin the narrative, and undermine the judicial process. That is not just reckless, it is a blatant violation of his bail.

So, here’s the question every citizen should be asking - Where is the Attorney General? Where are the police? How is this man still walking free after clearly breaching the terms of his release? These are not grey areas. The court set conditions; he broke them - end of story. Any ordinary person doing the same would likely be immediately remanded in custody. Why should Laauli be any different?

This isn’t about political rivalry or public opinion. This is about the integrity of the justice system. If a man accused of conspiracy, harassment, and interfering with a fatal hit-and-run investigation is allowed to ignore court orders without consequence, what message does that send?

It tells the public that power protects you. It tells victims' families that their pain can be trampled on. It tells the world that Samoa’s legal system is willing to look the other way if the defendant is influential enough - And that is unacceptable.

If Laauli cannot abide by the conditions of his bail, he should be put in jail full stop. This case is already loaded with serious accusations involving obstruction of justice. Continuing to let him publicly discuss the charges online, despite clear restrictions, only adds fuel to the fire.

It’s time for the authorities to act. The courts have done their part by setting the rules. Now it’s up to the Attorney General and the Police to enforce them.

No more silence. No more special treatment.

Concerned