Johnny
Blades RNZ Pacific senior journalist
The
international community has urged Samoa’s government to
rectify the decline in press freedom in the
country.
Press freedom and media restrictions in Samoa
came under scrutiny during Samoa’s periodic review at the
United Nations Human Rights Review in Geneva this
week.
Ten countries raised concern about media
restrictions imposed by the government of Prime Minister
La’aulialemalietoa (La’auli) Leuatea Schmidt, including some
of Samoa’s largest donor partners and its former colonial
powers.
La’auli, who has been in power for little over
a year, has banned
the country’s biggest media outlet, the Samoa
Observer, from his press conferences and other access to
government information.
At least one photographer has
reported
having her camera removed and photographs deleted by the
prime minister’s security personnel, prompting the
Journalists Association of Samoa to warn about physical
obstruction of media.
Furthermore, the Faatuatua i
le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party-led government’s draft
Media Protocol has proposed a number of restrictive
measures.
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These include requiring journalists to
submit questions at least 24 hours before government press
conferences, for government vetting.
It also proposes
background checks on journalists, examining journalists’
political alignment, previous reporting, editorial
standards, credibility and audience.
Peers
concerned
Of the peer countries contributing to the
UN review, New Zealand recommended Samoa ensure a safe
environment for media and journalists by removing media
bans.
Germany cited concerning developments around
independent reporting, calling for equal access to
government information, and revision of the draft media
protocol.
Australia urged Samoa to uphold freedom of
expression, including for independent media.
Canada
called on Samoa to address criminal defamation and protect
the independence of journalists and media
organisations.
The Netherlands urged equal and
non-discriminatory media access to government information
and press conferences.
The United Kingdom cited
Samoa’s declining World Press Freedom Index ranking, and
urged the government to allow journalists operate to
independently and without undue restriction.
South
Korea called for prompt and impartial investigations into
allegations of threats, intimidation or violence against
journalists.
France recommended stronger protection of
freedom of the press and freedom of speech.
Brazil
encouraged policies ensuring equitable access to government
information for journalists and human-rights
defender
Switzerland recommended Samoa establish a
freedom-of-information law guaranteeing journalists and the
public access to official documents, subject to legitimate
restrictions.
‘Values at risk’
In response,
Samoa’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Nella Pepe
Tavita-Levy, said freedom of speech and expression is
protected in the country’s constitution.
She said the
government recognises the important role of the media in
promoting transparency, accountability, and public
participation.
According to her, the government
“continues to provide official information through various
channels, to support fair and equal access for media
organisations”.
Meanwhile, Samoa’s Opposition leader
and former long-time prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele
Malielegaoi, raised alarm over what he describes as
escalating undemocratic behavious by La’auli.
In a
letter to the editor in Newsline Samoa, Tuilaepa accused his
rival of infringements against journalists and media outlets
because of unfavourable reporting.
“These are signs of
a leadership that has placed our fundamental values at risk.
The rule of law has repeatedly been undermined, the media
has been restricted from covering the government.
“The
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group must pay close
attention to these conditions and the situation that is
unfolding in Samoa. Their early intervention is needed
before La’auli’s behaviour escalates.”
RNZ Pacific has
contacted Prime Minister La’auli’s office for
comment.
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