The recent defamation charge against Lagi Keresoma, senior journalist at Talamua Media and President of the Journalists Association of Samoa, signals a troubling moment for press freedom and the very role of journalism in our democracy.

As a scholar deeply invested in media ethics and the critical function of a free press, I offer my full support and utmost respect to Ms. Keresoma and all journalists who courageously pursue truth and accountability despite mounting pressures.

Ms. Keresoma stands accused of defamation following her publication of a piece entitled “Seeking HOS help to withdraw criminal charges inappropriate” on 1 May 2025. This article addressed a serious allegation involving a senior police officer accused of forgery, a matter of significant public interest. Her reporting isn’t only a demonstration of journalistic duty but an act of public service. It’s precisely the watchdog role of journalists to shine light on potential abuses of power, especially within institutions tasked with law enforcement and justice.

It is alarming that instead of welcoming scrutiny, police authorities reportedly urged Ms. Keresoma to apologise publicly, effectively asking her to admit wrongdoing in reporting facts that were within the public domain and newsworthy.

Such demands risk turning the press into a tool for silencing rather than informing the public. To apologise in this context would be to concede the truthfulness of her reporting and undermine the independence of the press.

Journalists like Ms. Keresoma are important pillars of democratic societies. Their job is to gather, verify and broadcast information important for citizens to make informed decisions. When journalists are threatened with legal action for performing this duty, it sets a chilling precedent that discourages investigative reporting and weakens transparency.

From an academic and ethical perspective, it’s critical to recognise that defamation laws shouldn’t be weaponised to intimidate journalists or suppress legitimate scrutiny.

Responsible journalism operates within a framework of accuracy, fairness and verification, standards that Ms. Keresoma and Talamua Media exemplify. The pursuit of justice must include the right to report without fear of retribution.

In supporting Ms. Keresoma, I reaffirm my respect for all journalists who face similar challenges globally. Their courage underpins not only a free press but the foundation of accountability in governance and public institutions.

As this case proceeds, I urge the courts to uphold principles that protect journalists’ rights and, by extension, the rights of the people to know the truth.

Let this be a rallying point for greater protections for journalists in Samoa and beyond, recognising their indispensable role in defending democracy and justice.