The chairman and leader of the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) political party, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday for the court to set a hearing date for his appeal on the bail conditions set by the District Court.

La'auli's counsel Muriel Lui told the court that they had already received the prosecution's notice of opposition to the appeal.

Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma has adjourned the matter for hearing on 14 April. Prosecutor Leinafo Taimalelagi confirmed that they strongly opposed the changes in the bail condition sought by the defendant.

La'auli’s bail conditions required him to surrender his travel documents, sign at the police station every Friday by 4 pm, refrain from commenting on the case online, and avoid contacting any prosecution witnesses.

The first set of charges involves joint allegations against La'auli and four co-accused individuals: Samuelu Leau, Sivai Kepi Mamea, member of parliament Fepuleai Faimata Su'a, Lise Schmidt, and Faataumalamala Lio Auava. 

These charges include three counts of conspiring or attempting to pervert the course of justice along with one count of conspiracy to commit an offence.

The second set of charges, which specifically targets La'auli, consists of five counts of harassment using electronic means, five counts of defamation, and two counts of issuing insulting words. Counsel Lui voiced objections to the charges brought against her client during the hearing.

Following the court proceedings, Judge Talasa set hearing dates for the two sets of charges. The joint charges, already before the court, will be heard between 26 May and 27 June. 

The individual charges against La'auli will be heard during the week of 25 to 29 August.