District Court Judge Talasa Atoa-Sa'aga has again adjourned her decision on the conspiracy case against the Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and five others for another week.

Before the matter was called, Judge Atoa-Sa'aga met with lawyers in chambers for seven minutes. After the meeting in chambers, she apologised and said the matter would again be adjourned for another week.

Laaulialemalietoa, Fepuleai Faimata Sua, Fataumalama Lio, Lise-Marie Schmidt, Sam Sua, and Sivai Kepi are all facing conspiracy and defamation charges. The charges include conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, fabricating evidence, and defamation. 

"As we arrived this afternoon, I again requested the last adjournment of this matter," Judge Atoa-Sa'aga said.

"There are still parts of the arguments from all lawyers that I still need time to review and base my decision on. I can't deliver an incomplete decision."

"This is not a light matter, as I've said this before, it is not easy considering the support and prayers by the families of defendants, the country and of course the defendants themselves."

"I reassure you that this will be the last adjournment until next Friday at 1 pm." 

These charges stem from an investigation into the 2021 hit-and-run death of a student in Vaitele, involving accusations against MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

The trial concluded in June 2025, with all six defendants choosing not to give evidence. Final submissions were completed in November 2025.

This is the fourth adjournment of the decision. Judge Atoa-Saaga requested more time to review the "detailed and complex" submissions.