Civic space in Samoa is rated as ‘open’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. However, there have been concerns about criminal defamation charges brought against critics, intimidation of the media and challenges for journalists in accessing state information.
A March 2025 study on the state of the media, delivered as part of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), found that Samoan media have been challenged by restrictions to freedom of speech and the lack of a legislated right to information (RTI). The reintroduction of criminal defamation laws in 2017 has had a significant effect on journalists’ ability to report freely. Further, the ability of the Media Council and the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) to regulate the media sector and support journalists has been hampered by a lack of funding.
Samoa has been undergoing political turmoil since January 2025 after Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa terminated Laauli Leuatea Schmidt - the founder and chairman of the ruling FAST party - who is facing several criminal charges, from the Cabinet and the removal of several ministers. In 2021, Laauli stepped aside to allow Fiame to lead the FAST party during the elections.
Since then, the Prime Minister has defeated two no-confidence motions against her minority government. In February 2025, she defeated the motion by 34 votes against it and 15 in favour, while in March 2025, Fiame defeated the no-confidence vote by 32 votes against the motion and 19 in favour.
Opposition leader and head of the Human Rights Protection Party Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi went to the Supreme Court in March 2025 to get the Prime Minister to step down on the grounds that she is running a minority government.
On 31st March 2025, the Samoan government declared a 30-day state of emergency as the main island of Upolu grappled with a severe power crisis. Major disruptions to Samoa's electricity supply had affected residents and businesses, with power rationing in place since February 2025.
The Samoa Alliance of Media Practitioners for Development (S.A.M.P.O.D) has called for a stop to the online abuse of Samoan journalists as the political crisis continues. https://t.co/kij2umZRmx
— Samoa Observer (@samoaobserver) January 20, 2025
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Journalists facing online abuse and threats
As Samoa grapples with the ongoing political crisis, the Samoa Alliance of Media Practitioners for Development (SAMPOD), has raised concerns and a call to action around a trend of online abuse targeting the country's journalists.
In a statement released on 20th January 2025, SAMPOD expressed deep concern over the escalating online harassment and threats targeting Samoan journalists on social media, covering the current political crisis.
“These attacks undermine press freedom and pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of journalists who are fulfilling their critical role in informing the public about matters of national importance,” the statement said.
"Samoan journalists have received death threats and threats to their family members and properties for reporting on the political crisis, primarily on Facebook through public and private forums and in private messages. We unequivocally deplore such harassment and call on all relevant leaders to take immediate action by urging their followers and supporters to respect the essential role of the press."
Head editor of TV1 Samoa News, Rula Sua Vaa in an interview with ABC News, said her family had received numerous threats.
The alliance also called on the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), UNESCO and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) for their support in addressing these alarming developments in Samoa.