Kelera Ditaiki 
Samoan Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt [left] and FMA General Secretary Stanley Simpson
The Fiji Media Association has condemned moves by the Samoan Prime Minister to restrict journalists from attending official press conferences.
The Prime Minister has also sought to ban interviews with him and cabinet ministers.
In a statement released, FMA General Secretary Stanley Simpson stated that efforts to silence independent news outlets undermine democracy.
He adds that Pacific media organisations must unite when press freedoms are threatened and that political leaders must respect journalists even when reporting is uncomfortable.
Simpson stresses that a strong democracy depends on the media to inform the public, hold leaders accountable, ask difficult questions and cover important stories.
He warns that restricting the press or punishing journalists weakens transparency and democratic systems.
The FMA notes that Fiji has experienced periods of media restrictions that stifled free speech and harmed democracy.
The association stands in full solidarity with the Samoa Observer and all journalists facing political pressure, supporting their right to report freely.
Simpson is urging the Samoan Government and all Pacific governments to uphold press freedom, engage openly with journalists and recognise independent media as a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
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