Samoa prime minister apologizes for Nazi gesture and saying ‘Heil Hitler’ in 2007 video
The prime minister said the 2007 family gathering video was inappropriate and apologized after 13 people were seen in the clip, according to reports.
- On Monday, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologized after video surfaced showing him saying "Heil Hitler" and performing a Nazi gesture at a 2007 family gathering in Savai.
- The Samoa Observer reported the footage on Sunday, identifying it as a family reunion where Laauli led approximately 13 people in raising their right hands and uttering the phrase.
- Laauli stated the video was never intended for public view and rejected Nazism, asserting "They do not reflect my personal beliefs, nor the values of the Government or people of Samoa."
- The report emerged two days after the government reaffirmed a ban on the Samoa Observer, barring the newspaper from press conferences following allegations it breached media ethics standards.
- German rule in Western Samoa left lasting cultural and architectural imprints, though Laauli maintained the video was inappropriate and stated he considers the matter resolved to focus on economic challenges.
73 Articles
73 Articles
Samoa's Prime Minister Apologizes for Nazi Salute After 2007 Video Emerges<p>Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has apologized for giving a Nazi salute and saying "Heil Hitler" in a 2007 video. He stated that he rejects Nazism, anti-Semitism and racism.</p>
der Standard AT
der Standard DEAccording to "Samoa Observer" a recording shows Schmidt calling into the crowd at a private event: "Hold your right hand, Heil Hitler!"
Samoa's Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a previously unseen video showed him leading a Nazi salute and saying "Heil Hitler" during a family gathering. Schmidt made the statement of regret on Monday after the local newspaper Samoa Observer published the seven-second video a day earlier. The footage was recorded during a family gathering of Schmidt's family on the island of Savai'i in July 2007, when he was a member of …
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