The police have charged Samoa Observer journalist Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo with one count of willful trespass on Friday.

The charges are related to an incident on 15 November 2025, when Sulamanaia requested an interview with Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt at his residence after his return from a medical trip in New Zealand.

The complainant in this matter is Leuatea James Schmidt, the son of the Prime Minister.

According to the charges, Sulamanaia had allegedly trespassed when she approached the Prime Minister’s security detail at the gate of his residence. At the time of the incident, Sulamanaia was accompanied by BBC journalist Dr Mandeep Rai.

Dr Rai, in her interview with overseas media, had said that the Samoa Observer team acted "carefully and respectfully".

Sulamanaia has been bailed to appear in the District Court on 28 April at 10 am. As part of her bail conditions, she has to sign at the Apia Police Headquarters every Wednesday and surrender her travel documents.

Meanwhile, a complaint lodged on 15 November 2025, following an assault on Samoa Observer editor Shalveen Chand outside the Prime Minister’s premises, remains with the police without any charges being laid.

Last month, Samoa Observer journalist Marieta Ilalio was charged with defamation.