Restrictions on journalists covering an upcoming summit of Commonwealth nations in Samoa are “ridiculous” and at odds with a government that purportedly values democracy, according to Samoa’s media association.
The Samoa Observer newspaper in an editorial also condemned the government’s attempt to limit coverage of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), calling it a “slap across the face of press freedom, democracy and freedom of speech.”
The summit in the Samoan capital Apia in October will be one of the biggest events ever held in Polynesian nation.
Journalist Association of Samoa President Lagi Keresoma says he finds the committee’s stance ridiculous and they have written to the Prime Minister who is the head of the Meeting’s task force regarding these restrictions.
He says they are also trying to get a copy of the Commonwealth guidelines the committee chairperson said the decision is based on.
While speaking to online news portal, Talamua, Keresoma says the restrictions were very disappointing for a government that claimed to believe in democracy, transparency and accountability.
Samoan media reports the guidelines, endorsed by Cabinet, prevent photographers and videographers taking pictures, put restrictions on journalists covering side events unless accredited to a specific pool, and stop reporters from approaching delegates for interviews.
Two state-owned media outlets, in partnership with New Zealand-based company MMG Communications, have been awarded exclusive rights to cover the event in film and video, according to the Samoa Observer.
All other media, including foreign press, will have to request access to pooled photos and footage.
The Samoa Observer says the restrictions were incongruous with international practices and set a dangerous precedent for future events.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the media guidelines.
[Source: Benar News]
