A show of solidarity was shown by the Journalist Association of Samoa (JAWS) president Lagi Keresoma, after security personnel tried to remove a Samoa Observer photojournalist from the Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) roadshow on Tuesday.

Junior S Ami arrived at the Multi-Purpose Gym in Tunaimato, tasked to cover the public event. Inside the gym, where Junior was standing with other journalists, security personnel approached him and said that the Samoa Observer was not allowed to cover the event.

As he was approached, Keresoma told the security personnel that if they removed Junior, they would need to remove her and other media. She said if FAST wanted media coverage for the event, no media should be discriminated against.

Junior’s expulsion from the event was prevented by Keresoma’s stand on the issue.

It is believed that the FAST party echelon had directed security personnel not to allow the Samoa Observer at the event and to prevent coverage of any sort, including pictures.

In recent weeks, the Samoa Observer has highlighted critical stories emanating from statements and claims made during the FAST roadshow.