21 Jun 2018

Defamation action possible against Samoa PM and media outlet

From , 3:02 pm on 21 June 2018

A Samoan lawyer in the US denies being one of the writers of the controversial blog, O le Palemia, or OLP.

Samoa's Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi's naming of two alleged writers was publicised briefly by Talamua Online, which later retracted the story.

Namulau'ulu Albert Ainu'u says he was surprised at the allegations and is now considering legal action.

He is adamant that he is not one of the OLP writers.

But Namulau'ulu says it is an attempt by Tuilaepa to undermine the credibility of a group he belongs to called Samoa Solidarity International, which opposes government land law changes.

Tuila'epa denies an attempt was made to overthrow him

Tuila'epa denies an attempt was made to overthrow him Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia