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May 23, 2025 – Samoa –
Lagi Keresoma, a veteran journalist and president of the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS), has been charged with criminal libel under Section 117A of Samoa’s Crimes Act 2013. The charge stems from a May 1 article published by Talamua Media, alleging that a former police officer sought assistance from the Head of State to have charges against him withdrawn. The former officer, currently facing two forgery charges, filed a complaint claiming the article was defamatory.
The case has ignited widespread criticism from local and international media organizations. JAWS expressed full solidarity with Keresoma, emphasizing that criminal libel laws threaten press freedom and discourage investigative journalism. They are urging the government to repeal Section 117A and adopt civil remedies for defamation cases.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) have also called for the repeal of Samoa’s criminal libel laws, highlighting the chilling effect such legislation can have on journalistic freedom.
Legal experts have weighed in, with Auckland University law academic Beatrice Tabangcoro describing the law as “unnecessary and impractical,” advocating for its repeal to protect freedom of expression.
Samoa’s criminal libel law was initially removed in 2013 but reinstated in 2017 to address issues related to social media. Critics argue that its reintroduction represents a regression in media freedom and poses a significant threat to journalists’ ability to report without fear of legal repercussions.
The outcome of Keresoma’s case could have far-reaching implications for press freedom in Samoa, potentially setting a precedent for how defamation cases involving journalists are handled in the future.
Reference –
Punitive criminal libel charge against Samoan journalist draws flurry of criticism
