7 Mar 2019

King Faipopo appears in court in Samoa

9:45 am on 7 March 2019

An Australia-based Samoan man has appeared in court in Samoa accused of publishing false information about the prime minister.

Malele Atofu Paulo aka King Faipopo outside court

Malele Atofu Paulo aka King Faipopo outside court in Samoa. Photo: RNZ/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The 47-year-old, Malele Atofu Paulo, is known on social media as King Faipopo.

He faces 13 charges.

Court documents say he published false information on social media accusing the prime minister of importing firearms in a container as well as writing a letter to a former minister, Toi Aukuso, in relation to the assassination of a former government minister.

The matter has been adjourned until next Tuesday without plea for the defense counsel to obtain instructions.