No suspects in hunt for “Ole Palemia”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 07 April 2017, 12:00AM

The Police have yet to identify a suspect in their hunt for a blogger known as “Ole Palemia.”

The search was initiated after former E.F.K.S Reverend, Opapo Oeti, lodged a complaint to the Police about allegations made by the blog against him, his daughter Toa Opapo Patrick and his family.

This was confirmed by the Police Spokesperson, Su’a Tiumalu. who said the complaint was lodged last week Wednesday. 

The complaint follows a blog making what the family claims as “defamatory statements” about Mr. Oeti’s daughter and her husband.

Mr. Oeti has asked for Police help to find the identity of the blogger.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer yesterday, Su’a said the blog has done a lot of damage to Opapo and his family’s reputation and they have been victimized because of what it contained.

He said the Police have launched an investigation to find the blogger.

 “There are no suspects so far,” said Su’a.

“We also cannot comment on how long the investigation will be conducted, but our specialist and I.T people are working on finding who is behind this Facebook page.”

Su’a said such a crime falls under Article 219 of the Crimes Act 2013. 

“This falls under the utilising means of electronic communication section of the Crimes Act 2013.”

According to Su’a a person is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years who intentionally initiates any electronic communication, with the intent to harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person. 

Su’a said they are now doing their best to try and put a name and face on who is behind the “Ole Palemia” page. 

Su’a did not elaborate or name any other company or Ministry they are working together with in carrying out the investigation. 

Su’a said this is not the first time they’ve received a complaint of this nature.

But he said this is the first time they have received a complaint against the admin of the “Ole Palemia” Facebook page.

By Sarafina Sanerivi 07 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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