The District Court has been cleared for the official recount of 11 constituencies from last month’s general election. Video: Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo / Samoa Observer | Samoa Observer

Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi has taken the stand as the high-profile conspiracy trial enters its fifth week. The MP’s name was linked to the 2021 hit-and-run through a statement police say was never officially recorded. Witnesses earlier told the court he was not at the scene. Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer | Samoa Observer

461K views · 7.3K reactions | FAST party chairman Laauli Leuatea Schmidt has cut off communication with the Samoa Observer, accusing the newspaper of twisting stories to damage the party’s reputation. The remarks come as Laauli faces multiple charges in a conspiracy case linked to a fatal 2021 hit-and-run. Police told the court the suspected vehicle was a Toyota Noah, not a Landcruiser linked to another MP. Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer | Samoa Observer | Facebook