The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) expresses its full support for the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) and its President, Lagi Keresoma, who is facing a criminal libel charge under Section 117A of Samoa’s Crimes Act 2013. 

Ms Keresoma is a well-respected senior journalist in Samoa and known across the Pacific for her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to ethical journalism. 

“The charge laid against her is a serious concern for media practitioners and represents a direct threat to press freedom in Samoa and across the Pacific,” PINA President Kalafi Moala of Tonga said in a statement.

“PINA stands with JAWS in calling for the immediate repeal of Section 117A of the Crimes Act of 2013, a law that has been criticised for enabling the criminalisation of journalism and silencing investigative reporting,” Moala said.

“Defamation should be addressed through civil avenues and through laws that can intimidate and suppress journalists,” he added.

“We commend the solidarity shown by Samoa’s media community, and we urge the Government of Samoa, the Ministry of Police and Prisons, and all relevant institutions to uphold constitutional and democratic principles, especially the protection of freedom of expression and the press.”

Moala said PINA will continue to stand by its colleagues in Samoa and throughout the Pacific, and reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending the rights of journalists to report freely, fairly, and without fear of criminal prosecution. 

Headquartered in Suva, Fiji, PINA is a regional organization representing media professionals across the Pacific.

Cover Photo Caption: Lagi Keresoma, President of JAWS(Journalists Association of Western Samoa) (Photo: Samoa Observer)