Two men charged with conspiracy to assassinate Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, have pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Malele Atofu Paulo aka King Faipopo outside court Photo: RNZ/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The pair, Malele Atofu Paulo, also known as King Faipopo, and Lema'i Faioso Sione, are also facing a second charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
The two have been ordered to remain in custody until next Monday when they will appear for a plea hearing on the second charge.
The prosecution has opposed bail.
Meanwhile a third suspect, Taualai Leiloa, also known as Taualai Tuila'epa, has appeared separately on the same charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
He was denied the opportunity to enter a plea as the presiding judge, Justice Leiataualesa Darrel Clarke, said he must seek legal representation because of the seriousness of the charge.
Leiloa will appear again next Monday.