Statement on the Arrest of Samoan veteran journalist Lagi Keresoma
As the Gender Representative of the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) to the International Federation of Journalists, I express deep concern over the recent arrest of senior journalist and JAWS President Lagi Keresoma under Samoa’s criminal defamation law. Ms. Keresoma is a veteran journalist with decades of service to the Samoan public and media.
Her arrest under this outdated and controversial provision raises serious concerns about the misuse of legal tools to silence independent journalism. The action appears heavy-handed and disproportionate, and risks being perceived as an abuse of power to suppress public scrutiny and dissent.
The United Nations Human Rights Committee and UN Special Rapporteurs , particularly the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, have repeatedly called for defamation to be treated as a civil matter, not a criminal one. The continued application of criminal defamation in Samoa contradicts international standards and poses a chilling threat to press freedom, particularly for women journalists who already face systemic risks and intimidation.
I urge authorities to ensure full transparency, due process, and the immediate protection of Ms. Keresoma’s legal and human rights. I also call on the Government of Samoa to urgently review and repeal criminal defamation laws that undermine democratic accountability and public trust in the justice system.
I call on the International Federation of Journalists and our global partners to support our call for fair treatment, media freedom, and the protection of women journalists from punitive legal action.
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E-Mail: contact@lagipoiva.com
