The Police Commissioner, Auapau Logotino Filipo, has issued a strong reminder to the public that Samoa has laws in place to protect individuals and the dignity of the nation from false and defamatory statements.

“To the citizens of the nation, there are laws in place to protect the dignity of the nation concerning criminal liability or defamation. Right now, there are laws in place to protect individuals from spreading rumours and making defamatory statements against citizens and ruining their reputations,” said Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo.

According to Section 219 of the Crimes Act, harassment using electronic devices, including cyberbullying, carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

He added that there have been similar cases in the past involving individuals overseas who run online blogs or journalist programs. “In the past, there have been individuals who have done journalist programmes or are online bloggers in overseas countries. These individuals have complaints against them. These complaints are the main core of the investigation, these matters,” he said in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

However, he explained that the police ministry’s current focus is on the registration of citizens for the upcoming election, as well as addressing any illegal activities that have arisen from that process, such as fraud.

Meanwhile, police have arrested a well-known online blogger who goes by the name Tama o le Ele’ele, also known as Fiu Situta Lomitusi. He was arrested on Wednesday morning in Savaii and brought to Apia, where he was charged with harassment using electronic devices, defamation, and insulting words.

Currently, police say there are five complaints against Tama o le Ele’ele, and they expect more to be filed as the investigation continues.

This is not the first case involving online defamation. In 2023, a reverend and a woman from the US were also charged for making false statements online.

Another blogger, Mau Hunt, is also facing court. He is accused of spreading false information that Samoa Airways was carrying empty coffins filled with drugs. Police say the airline filed a complaint, and the claims were found to be false and defamatory. Hunt is expected to appear in court.