By MONIKA SINGH
THE Journalism Students’ Association (JSA) at the University of the South Pacific has condemned the recent ban on the Samoa Observer by the Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, saying that such attacks on media freedom are eroding youth confidence in the profession.
Last week, Mr Schmidt imposed a temporary ban on the country’s only daily newspaper, blocking its access to both himself and his cabinet.
He justified the move by accusing the outlet of “unfair and inaccurate” reporting, particularly in relation to his recent medical stay in New Zealand, and directed ministers not to respond to the newspaper’s questions.
In a statement issued last week, the JSA said the recently imposed suspension signaled not merely a rebuke of one newspaper, but a more deliberate and systemic attempt to restrict robust public scrutiny.
“It raises serious concerns about citizens’ right to information, as well as the erosion of transparency, accountability, and public trust,” JSA president Riya Bhagwan said.
The JSA also expressed alarm over public comments by the Journalists Association of Western Samoa (JAWS), whose executive reportedly wished harm on the Samoa Observer editor during a previous assault.
“This is an alarming trend and signals a reverse, if not decline in media rights and freedom of speech, unless it is dealt with immediately,” said Ms Bhagwan.
The students believe that these recent incidents, coupled with the exclusion of the Samoa Observer, send a chilling warning to Samoan journalists and establish a dangerous precedent for media subservience at the highest levels.
“With its long-standing dedication to reporting on governance, human rights, and social accountability issues, the ban on the Samoa Observer strikes at the heart of public discourse and places journalists in a precarious position. It risks undermining their ability to report freely and without the fear of reprisal.”
The group said the situation in Samoa is part of a broader pattern of pressure on journalists, noting the defamation charges laid earlier this year against JAWS president Lagi Keresoma and Samoa’s “steep decline in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.”
The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) also expressed deep concern over the Government of Samoa’s decision to ban the Samoa Observer, which it said is one of the country’s longest-serving independent newspapers.
In its statement, PINA said the action represented a serious threat to media freedom, public access to information, and democratic accountability in Samoa and the wider Pacific region.
PINA urged the Government of Samoa to immediately reverse the ban and uphold its commitment to open dialogue and transparent governance.
It also called on the Government of Samoa to:
Meanwhile JAWS condemned the assault and threats against journalists and urged the Samoan PM to reconsider his decision and lift the ban on Samoa Observer journalists.
In a statement issued on Thursday, JAWS said banning media or journalists from attending press conferences was not new.
However, the association said banishment and public humiliation of the Samoa Observer during a press conference could have been handled through proper procedure.
“JAWS is deeply concerned that such bans may become the norm for the current government and for future governments,” the statement said.
The association reiterated its support for press freedom and the free-flow of information which was essential to nation-building processes and to democracy.
“While the media have the privilege of working on a diverse platform, they must, at the same time, adhere to, follow, uphold and respect the Code of Practice and the Code of Ethics,” said JAWS.
JSA said as student journalists, they were glad that JAWS has come out calling for the lift of the ban from Samoa Observer.
“Journalists must be able to perform their work safely, without intimidation or assault, as they carry out their responsibilities to the public. These incidents raise serious questions about the treatment of media professionals and respect for journalistic work.
“As a journalism student association with many of our journalists and alumni working in the region, we are committed to empowering the next generation of journalists,” said JSA.
