The complaint leading to the charging of two Australian-based online broadcasters came from a broadcaster based in New Zealand, confirmed Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga. 

The complaint was lodged against the hosts of the online show Maota Samoa Viiga o le Atua, which has been under investigation by the Samoa Police for alleged harassment.

“The complaint is from a broadcaster in New Zealand. They sent their complaint against this individual. It is Asiata Pio Vaoliko who made the complaint. This is the only complaint we have received; there are no other complaints,” Leiataua told the Samoa Observer, confirming that no additional complaints have been lodged against the online show or its hosts.

The case centres around two individuals linked to the show Maota Samoa Viiga o le Atua, an online program based in Sydney, Australia. The two broadcasters, who were visiting Samoa at the time of their arrests, have been charged under the Crimes Act 219 for harassment using electronic communication.

One of the individuals, Toleafoa Saia Toleafoa, was arrested upon arrival at Faleolo International Airport, while the second individual voluntarily turned themselves in at a police station. Police have said that investigations are still ongoing, and additional charges may be added as the case progresses.

Maota Samoa Viiga o le Atua has attracted attention for its inflammatory and often controversial political commentary. The show has been accused of making derogatory statements about Samoan government officials, including Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, as well as other members of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) political party. The program is also known for its use of harsh language and its tendency to focus on political gossip.

Leiataua did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the complaint but confirmed that it was formally submitted to the Samoa Police by the New Zealand-based broadcaster. He emphasised that the police had not received any other complaints related to the show’s content or its hosts.

“The complaint that we received was the only one related to this incident. We are taking this matter seriously and following due process,” Leiataua stated.

As the investigation continues, authorities have said they will not rule out further charges against the broadcasters.