Sacked cabinet minister and Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party chairman Laauli Leuatea Schmidt was told to surrender his travel documents as he made his first appearance in the District Court today (Tuesday).

He is charged with three counts of conspiracy or attempt to defeat or pervert the course of justice, one of conspiracy to commit an offence (fabricate evidence), one of harassment utilising means of electronic communication, three counts of false statement causing harm to a person's reputation and two counts of using insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

Laauli’s supporters started gathering at the courthouse in Mulinuu as early as 8 am and crowded the hallway and waiting area.

The District Court imposed other bail conditions including signing at the nearest police station every Friday before 4 pm.

The court has also prohibited him from commenting on social media regarding the case and warned him not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.

The matter will be called again this Friday as the prosecution indicated other charges and amendments.