An MP in Samoa and seven other matai from Satapuala village have avoided jail after being convicted of criminal charges relating to a road blockade last year.
The eight defendants, including the MP Toesulusulu Cedric Schuster, have each been ordered to pay a fine of 750 US dollars or face a six week jail sentence.
They were convicted by Justice Vaepule Vaemoa Vaai on an unlawful assembly charge.
The group is also on probation for 12 months for using threatening words, resisting and obstructing police.
Speaking to reporters the MP Toesulusulu apologised to the country and his constituency of A'ana Alofi number three on behalf of the Satapuala village council for last year's events.
He says he hopes the court ruling has sent an important message for the village to keep the peace and live in harmony.
