Mata Tuatagaloa

Samoa associate minister not guilty of fraud and forgery

The judge said the prosecution failed to prove the charges.

The associate minister said he will follow up with the police on his complaint against the directors of the nonu juice company which had filed the criminal case against him.

Peseta has also filed a civil lawsuit against the directors and a government minister who is a supporter of the company.

Peseta's lawyer, Leuluaialii Olinda Woodroffe, said she is delighted with the outcome.

Samoa appoints its first female Supreme Court judge

She will be sworn in before the head of state on Thursday.

Mata Tuatagaloa was appointed as permanent judge of the District court four years ago after serving as a prominent lawyer for many years.