Attorney General attacks “Samoa Observer”
The International Federation of Journalists expresses solidarity with journalists and their sources in Samoa who are being subject to legal threats and investigations that seek to prevent them from reporting on the truth.
Samoa asked to drop criminal charges against blogger ‘King Faipopo’
Blogger King Faipopo is accused of defaming Samoa’s prime minister.
Assault of PNG journalist and online abuse of Samoan editor are “uncalled for”, says PINA
The reported unprovoked assault on journalist Dorothy Mark, who received facial injuries, should be condemned in the strongest terms and those responsible be arrested and charged, said PINA President Kora Nou. Mr Nou is equally concerned with the online abuse targeted at Samoan journalist Ms Lani Wendt Young.
Samoa urged to consult the public on revival of criminal libel law
he Pacific Freedom Forum is calling for the review of the revival of the libel law.
Camerawoman assaulted at Pacific Islands Forum
A journalist was manhandled by security officers at the opening ceremony of the annual Pacific Islands Forum.
Let media council address free speech concerns, Samoa police urged
Samoa police must stop abusing their powers and let the national media council address free speech concerns, says regional media watchdog the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF.
Unity key for Samoa media council law
Journalists and editors in Samoa need to overcome their industry differences if they are to have any hope of ensuring plans for a Media Council do not suffer political interference, warns the Pacific Freedom Forum.
Pacific Freedom Forum welcomes news that Samoa’s media body will be re-registered before end of 2013
It’s important that where possible, national bodies such as the Journalists Association of (Western) Samoa be fostered to promote media autonomy and integrity, said a regional media monitoring group.
Samoa urged to halt plans for new media council
The Samoan government is urged to halt plans for a state media council and return to the original timeframe recommended by the country’s law reform commission.
Media threat in Samoa draws on colonial law
The Samoan speaker of parliament called on media to stop interviewing members of parliament outside the house and rely solely on official records; he warned that reporters could be charged under 1960 laws that carry a maximum sentence of six months in prison, a $100 fine, or both.
Call for investigation into Samoa police actions, curtailment of citizens’ rights
Failing to intervene in a minor assault on reporters and smashing the phone of a young boy shows police in Samoa need training in freedoms enjoyed by all citizens, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
Government considers legal action against Television New Zealand
(PINA/IFEX) – The Samoan government has engaged a lawyer for advice on legal action against Television New Zealand (TVNZ) for a story which it says inaccurately portrayed Samoa as a haven for organised crime, according to the “Samoa Observer”. This move was revealed by the Ministry of Police in a statement released to the media […]
Authorities ban distribution of the film Milk
(PINA/IFEX) – Censors in Samoa banned Milk, a movie, based on the life of gay activist Harvey Milk, which won a best actor Oscar for Sean Penn. Principal censor Leiataua Niuapu Faaui confirmed the censorship board rejected an application for DVDs of Milk to be distributed in movie stores but refused to give a reason, […]
Four journalists attacked while covering high-profile trial of church leader
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 30 March 2009 IFJ media release: IFJ Calls for Respect for Media as Reporters Attacked in Samoa The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) calls for an immediate renewal of public respect for journalists and press freedom in the Pacific island state of Samoa after a spate of attacks on […]