The Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) has given its full support of its president, Lagi Keresoma, who is facing a criminal libel charge and has called for the law to be repealed.
In a statement released yesterday, the JAWS Executive Board expressed its concern about threats to press freedom under the Crimes Act 2013.
Samoa Observer reports JAWS said the provision is a troubling development for press freedom in Samoa and should not be used to silence journalists and discourage investigative reporting.
“It is deeply concerning that a journalist of Lagi Keresoma’s integrity and professionalism is being prosecuted under a law that has long been criticised for its negative effect on Press Freedom,” said the association.
Ms. Keresoma, a senior journalist for Talamua Media online, was charged by the police on Sunday following a complaint filed by a former police officer.
The complaint is in relation to an article written by Keresoma and published online by Talamua alleging the former police officer sought assistance from the Head of State to withdraw charges against him.
The association said it rejects the use of criminal libel laws as a means to silence journalists or discourage investigative reporting.
Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, said the former police officer lodged a complaint and alleged the article was not true claiming it has also defamed him.
