The Samoa government has suspended veteran journalist Mataeliga Pio Sioa, owner and publisher of Newsline Samoa On Line, from attending future government press conferences until further notice.
Government took issue over concerns with Mataeliga’s conduct at a high-level joint press conference with Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and Australian Foreign Minister Senator Hon. Penny Wong.
Mermada Pacific reports Acting Press Secretariat Fiso Jennifer Key said in a letter to the President of the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) that the government “formally raises grave concerns” over Mataeliga’s behavior during the press conference.
The letter said Mataeliga’s demeanor was “considered unpleasant, his attire unsuitable for the occasion and his conduct unbecoming of a veteran media professional.”
According to Fiso, officials had no alternative but to request police to escort Mataeliga from the venue.
Fiso said government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship with the media and to upholding press freedom.
However, Fiso added such engagement must be grounded in respect, mutual understanding and Samoa’s Christian and cultural values.
Fiso said Mataeliga’s conduct reflected what they described as a disregard for values held by Samoans and raised concerns about the position of JAWS as an organization.
There has been no public response from Mataeliga or JAWS President Lagi Keresoma on the ban.
Photo: Samoa Global News
