The Samoa Observer faced criticism during a gathering outside the main police station in Apia, organised by the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party in support of its chairman, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, who is facing charges. A supporter in the crowd began chanting, “We don’t need the Observer here.” Meanwhile, former Samoa National Development Party member Vui Masinamua Seinafolava confronted a Samoa Observer photojournalist, pointing directly at them and demanding that all his statemen

The Moatoga Warehouse, located behind the SMI Hardware building near the Fugalei Market area, was engulfed in flames after 10 p.m. The Samoa Observer was at the scene and observed firefighters and police securing the area as fire trucks made their way through the narrow road to reach the back of the property. Video: Junior S. Ami / Samoa Observer | Samoa Observer

Caretaker Prime Minister and SUP leader Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, when approached by the Samoa Observer, declined to comment on rival parties’ promises and said her party will release its manifesto “when we’re ready.” Campaign activity has intensified, with HRPP, FAST and SLP ramping up efforts ahead of the snap election. Video: Junior S Ami Story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/114894 | Samoa Observer

A heated exchange in Parliament led to the removal of an M.P. after he yelled across the floor of the House on Wednesday morning. Sulamanaia shouted “go fight” when he intervened in a war of words between Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi and Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi. Read the story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/98162 | Samoa Observer

#BREAKING FAST Party leader La’auli Leuatea Schmidt and former MP Fepuleai Faimata Su’a returned to court this week as their high-profile trial reached its fifth week. They face multiple charges, including conspiracy and defamation, stemming from a 2021 hit-and-run case. Photo: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer | Samoa Observer