Outrage over image of Samoan flag being burnt

By Staff Writer 30 October 2017, 12:00AM

A disturbing image of a Samoan flag being burnt has caused outrage among the Samoan community all over the world who have vented their anger online.

The image shows a person who is identified as “Tanielu Tutuila” holding the burnt flag, smiling at it.

It is not known when the image was taken and what motivated it.

But the image has emerged a few days out from the Toa Samoa vs Mate Ma’a Tonga’s clash at the Rugby League World Cup in Hamilton this weekend. 

The game is expected to be one of the clashes of the tournament.

“Taniela Tutuila” has quickly apologised for his actions.

“I am sorry for all my act I have done towards the Samoan flag,” he writes on his Facebook page.

“I regret a lot because of my family, Tongans, and my first blood cousins. I hope yous all accept my apology cousins. Gotta wait for the big karma to hit me real hard but hopefully this post gets accepted to yall. One love to all ma islanders.”

Hundreds of Samoans have angrily reacted to the image, calling “Taniela Tutuila” all sorts of names that cannot be printed.

Some want to take revenge on him.

“Let's go hamo boys time to find this mother****** n **** his *** up

Tell us where this b**** live if u know anything about him,” reads one of the posts.

But prominent Social Media figure, Sita Leota, has called for calm. 

“Clearly we should call that flag incident what it is: the actions of a halfwit,” she writes.

“Please do not encourage divisiveness in our Samoan-Tongan community, do not incite violence. 

“We have bigger problems in our region like climate change, domestic violence, non-communicable diseases, sexual assault and a plethora of others that are more urgent and life-threatening than letting an idiot burning the flag divide us. 

Perspective.”

By Staff Writer 30 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>