Sixteen village chiefs and orators of the Samoan village of Malie have entered a not guilty plea through their lawyer to charges of contempt of court.
Some of Malie village matais facing contempt of court charges. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Tipi Autagavaia
The defendants includes Faamausili Moli Malietoa, two former politicians, and a current MP and Associate Minister, Seiuli Ueligitone.
They have been charged for disobeying an interim order to put on hold the bestowal of the Malietoa paramount title which was held at the village last month.
The court has set the trial for March next year.