The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) and the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) told Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt that Samoa’s democratic standing and its reputation as a leader in the region are being watched.

PINA and PFF, in a joint letter, have respectfully but firmly urged Laaulialemalietoa to reverse his decision to ban the Samoa Observer from his press conferences immediately.

“This ban restricts media freedom protected under Samoa’s Constitution and undermines the public’s fundamental right to information. As Samoa’s only daily newspaper and its largest media organisation, the Samoa Observer plays a critical role in ensuring that citizens have access to independent reporting on matters that shape their lives. Excluding them from government press conferences weakens transparency and public accountability,” PINA and PFF said.

“As Prime Minister, your leadership is rooted in service to the people of Samoa. A free and open press is essential to good governance, and actions that limit media access inevitably raise questions about government openness and risk eroding public trust.

“We acknowledge that an incident took place involving Samoa Observer journalists. However, an international journalist present at the time described their conduct as “careful and respectful.” We are also aware that the Samoa Observer editor has lodged a police complaint alleging assault—an allegation that must be properly investigated.”

PINA and PFF said that even if there were different accounts of what occurred, a complete ban on an entire newsroom is not a fair or proportionate response.

They said Samoa already has a legal mechanism designed specifically to address complaints about media conduct: the Media Council Act 2015, and this law provides clear procedures for submitting complaints, reviewing conduct, and resolving disputes between government, the public, and the media.

PINA and PFF urged the Government of Samoa to use the provisions of the Media Council Act—the lawful and democratic avenue for addressing concerns about journalistic behaviour or reporting accuracy—instead of imposing punitive measures that punish an entire organisation and restrict the public’s access to news.

“By passing the legal framework and resorting to a blanket ban, the government sets a worrying precedent that future administrations could exploit to silence media outlets they find inconvenient,” PINA and PFF said.

“Honourable Prime Minister, we respectfully call on you to correct this course. Lifting the ban and engaging through Samoa’s established media accountability mechanisms would reinforce your government’s commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and democratic governance.”