Australia based Samoan Radio Host Arrested & Charged for Defamation

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 10 JULY 2022: A Sydney based Samoan businessman who hosts a Radio talks program, Tiumalumatua Maifea Fetu was arrested by police yesterday evening and charged with one count of defamation.

Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed with Talamua that Tiumalumatua is charged with one holding charge of defamation as Police work through further information to finalize the police investigation.

He said police received a lot of video clips as evidence against the accused which police had to review hence the delay in finalizing the charges, but have opted to hold him on one charge for now.

The accused surrendered his travel documents and is remanded on bail until 2 August when he appears in Court. He is also to sign in at Faleolo Police post every Friday until he appears in Court.

The complainant is the Secretary of the FAST Party, Va’aaoao Alofipo. The complaint is based on alleged defamatory comments made by the accused on his radio programs in Australia against the Government and FAST party.

The programme is also widely available on social media platforms on line.

The complainant confirmed with Talamua that he submitted a ten page complaint to police last Thursday with supporting evidence.