The Journalism Students’ Association (JSA) at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji has condemned Samoa’s government for banning the Samoa Observer from press conferences, calling the move a serious attack on media freedom.
Recently, Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt temporarily barred the country’s only daily newspaper from engaging with him and his ministers, citing concerns over what he described as “unfair and inaccurate” reporting, particularly during his recent health-related stay in New Zealand. He instructed cabinet ministers to avoid responding to questions from the newspaper.
“The recently imposed suspension signals not merely a rebuke of one newspaper, but a deliberate attempt to restrict robust public scrutiny,” the JSA said.
“It raises serious concerns about citizens’ right to information, as well as the erosion of transparency, accountability, and public trust.”
Samoa Observer editor Shalveen Chand rejected the Prime Minister’s claims, insisting the newspaper was fulfilling its duty to provide the public with essential information. “We don’t take sides. We just want answers for questions the people of the nation need to know,” Chand told RNZ Pacific.
“If he has taken the step to ban us, he has just taken a step to stifle media freedom.”
The ban follows reports of confrontations outside the Prime Minister’s residence involving Samoa Observer journalists and photographers, which Chand described as an unprovoked assault.
The move has drawn criticism from regional media bodies. The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) also called the ban “disproportionate and unnecessary,” warning it represents a grave threat to press freedom.
Similarly, the Pacific Freedom Forum said the decision “undermines constitutional rights on media freedom and the people’s right to seek and share information.”
The JSA also expressed alarm over public comments by the Journalists Association of Samoa, whose executive reportedly wished harm on the Samoa Observer editor during a previous assault. The student association warned that such attacks risk discouraging young journalists and undermining democratic accountability in Samoa.
While the Samoa Observer can still access other MPs and parliamentary proceedings, the newspaper remains barred from direct engagement with the Prime Minister and his ministers, leaving questions over when—or if—the ban will be lifted.
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