The media is not without fault, and there are avenues for those who feel aggrieved, to pursue justice. But it is important to continue supporting journalists in their role to bring us the news and developments in our country.
Samoa, and the whole world, won’t know what their leaders are up to, especially the corruption and theft of a country’s resources, without the Media, especially the courageous journalists who pursue the truth, at great risks to their own health and safety.
It is reassuring to see JAWS President Lagi Keresoma and Secretary afioga Lepa’iletai Tosimaea Tupua, express their concerns about the mistreatment of one of their colleagues.
Calling for an enquiry is a great step in establishing who was at fault, and to identify whether actions by certain individuals were authorised and legal.
The debate surrounds the illegal confiscation of cameras and deleting photos by PM La’auli’s son Anslem, who isn’t an official govt employee, together with Police, and behaving like bullies towards a young lady journalist.
Apparently, this young lady reporter was new to her job, and to go through this humiliating trauma is just cruel. Whose life was threatened by her taking photos so she can write an article to pay tribute to those fallen Police Officers? Did she disturb the peace?
NO!
We need a free press that is free from intimidation, scaremongering and violent threats.
Le Ali’i e alofa mai!
