“Samoa Observer” criminal libel trial delayed, costs grow
(PINA/IFEX) – The criminal libel trial of the publisher and Samoan language editor of the “Samoa Observer” newspaper has now been put back to 3 February 1998. In Apia on 3 December, Magistrate Tagaloa Enoka Puni adjourned the hearing again because Samoa’s Supreme Court had still not looked at the defence’s challenge that the criminal […]
Samoan government discusses closing down independent radio station
(PINA/IFEX) – The Samoan government has discussed closing down the country’s only independent radio station which runs news bulletins, a government Minister revealed. Health Minister Misa Telefoni Retzlaff disclosed the discussion about revoking the licence of Radio Polynesia 98FM in an open letter he wrote as part of an ongoing dispute he is having with […]
Samoa opposition leader tries to get views on national radio
(PINA/IFEX) – The leader of Samoa’s parliamentary opposition says he is beginning legal proceedings in an effort to end a government ban on him having access to the country’s national radio service. Opposition leader Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi calls the ban a breach of the right to freedom of expression guaranteed in Samoa’s Constitution. Prime […]
Two “Samoa Observer” journalists ordered to pay Prime Minister’s costs for adjournment
(PINA/IFEX) – A court in Samoa, on 11 September 1997, ordered the publisher and Samoan-language editor of the “Samoa Observer” newspaper to pay the Prime Minister $WS500 each because they wanted an adjournment in a criminal libel case against them. Magistrate Tagaloa Enoka Puni said Prime Minister Tofilau Eti Alesana would be greatly inconvenienced by […]