Samoa media watchdog demands answers over deleted journalist photos

The Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) is demanding an investigation following an incident where a female reporter’s camera was reportedly removed and her photographs deleted during a public event in Apia. The incident occurred at a police event held at the Government Building, where the son of Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt allegedly deleted photos taken by a reporter from the Samoa Observer.

Security personnel reportedly informed the journalist that a law exists preventing the Samoa Observer from photographing the Prime Minister. JAWS expressed that it was “deeply disturbed” by the treatment of the reporter, stating that “security cannot become a pretext for obstructing legitimate journalism.” The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) has also called for the circumstances to be established.

The Samoan government responded by stating it respects media freedom and free expression, but maintained that a ban on the Samoa Observer remains in effect. The government clarified that it is not preventing other private or independent media outlets from accessing public events.