Police in Samoa have charged more than 20 chiefs and orators in the village of Malie with contempt of court over the bestowal of a paramount title.
Some chiefs and orators of Malie village at the bestowal of the Malietoa title last month. Photo: RNZ Pacific /Tipi Autagavaia
The charges were laid by the police because the matais did not obey an interim order not to go ahead with the bestowal of the Malietoa paramount title on Fa'amausili Moli the son of the late holder of the title.
A police source said Faamausili Moli is among the village matais who have been charged.
The case is set to be heard for mention on October 9.
Meanwhile an appeal by other heirs of the Malietoa against a Lands and Title decision delivered in December last year which allowed Faamausili Moli to be bestowed with the paramount title has been rescheduled to the 2nd of October.
Some of the matais of Malie village on the day of the bestowal of the Malietoa paramount title. Photo: RNZ Pacific /Tipi Autagavaia