The District Court is yet to deliver a decision on a defamation trial that was called over a year ago involving a politician and a former police officer. 

The criminal libel case was filed by former deputy speaker, Nafoitoa Talaimanu Keti against former police officer Paepaetele Ernest Betham. It is one of several criminal cases that has had evidence called over a year ago and the decisions were reserved by the District Court and are yet to be handed down. 

Paepaetele pleaded not guilty to one count of making a defamatory statement against the former politician on EFKS TV2 and one count of resisting police. 

In March last year, the District Court heard evidence from both parties in relation to the defamatory allegations made prior to the 2021 General Election. 

Nafoitoa was preparing to defend his seat in 2021 when the Lauaosinasina programme aired by E.F.K.S. TV featured Paepaetele which saw several allegations made against him. 

District Court Judge, Loau Donald Kerslake presided over the hearing in March last year and reserved his decision. 

One of the parties in the proceeding confirmed the decision still has not been delivered and they have not been informed of a possible date for a ruling. 

Attempts by the Samoa Observer to get an official comment from the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (M.J.C.A.) on the delayed judgment were unsuccessful. 

During the budget debate for the 2023-2024 fiscal year last week, one of the Members of Parliament suggested that the civil and criminal Courts should also have a mandatory timeframe on when they should deliver their decisions. 

The Member of Parliament pointed out that the Land and Titles Court now has a legal obligation for the judges to hand down decisions within a certain period and the same should also apply to judges in the civil and criminal court.