Lagi Keresoma is the first female president of the Journalist Association of Samoa. Photo: Screengrab / Facebook / Pacific Media Assistance Scheme
The Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) wants the country to repeal its criminal libel laws.
This comes after the association's president, a veteran Samoan journalist Lagi Keresoma, was charged by police under the law on Sunday.
Keresoma, a senior journalist for Talamua Media, is facing one count of defamation.
The complaint was lodged by a former police officer in relationg to an article she wrote on 1 May.
In the article, she reported that a former police officer was seeking assistance from the Head of State to have charges against him withdrawn.
The former officer is currently facing two charges of forgery related to a loan application, which he has denied. His case is pending in the Supreme Court.
In a statement, JAWS said it stands in full solidarity with Keresoma, who is facing charges under the Crimes Act 2013.
It said Section 117A of the Crimes Act should not be used to silence journalists and discourage investigative reporting.
It said it is deeply concerning that Keresoma's integrity and professionalism are being prosecuted under a law that has long been criticised for its negative effect on media freedom.
It is also calling for Section 117A to be repealed and for Samoa to return to a legal framework that protects press freedom and resolves defamation through civil remedies.
JAWS said it stands with Keresoma and affirms her right to report freely and without fear of criminal prosecution.
