SAMOA: Failed politician files libel suit against Samoa's TV3

APIA (Samoa Observer/Pacific Media Watch): An election candidate is suing Apia Broadcasting Limited (ABL) for $270,000.

Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio’s lawsuit names the ABL-run TV3 network manager Atanoa Herbert Crichton and reporter Tutuila Farao.

The matter was mentioned in the Supreme Court yesterday before Justice Lesatele RapiVa'ai.

Tuala’s lawsuit is in relation to a news item aired on TV3 before the elections in March.

The item accused Tuala of using $20,000 belonging to Virgin Cove Resort.

The claim was made by a member of the village during the Tautua Samoa Party’s visit to Leauva’a. Tuala contested the seat and lost.

The lawyer claims he was never asked for a comment before the news item was aired.

The matter has been adjourned until 27 June 2011 to allow the lawyer for the defendants, Amperosa Roma, to file a statement of defence.

Tuala is representing himself.