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Commentary: Media freedom is not absolute, which is why we also accept that laws must be instituted, to prevent and discourage media owners, editors and journalists from abusing this freedom. The problem, however, is that, whereas these laws are made by politicians to protect themselves and members of the public from a critical media, there are no laws to protect media owners, editors and journalists from angry politicians.

'But with a strong electronic media at its disposal, you wonder why the Government wants the private media under its control, as well. The reason is clear enough. The government does not want the private media to expose acts of corruption.'

'In Samoa, the media can be decribed as a tree that has no shadow. It offers neither shelter nor hope. It can be described as a flower that blooms but then quickly withers, as if afraid of the sunlight. Others see it as a confused animal; a sick dog which barks but won't bite because it is afraid.'

The publisher of the Samoa Observer has been battling a long, courageous and expensive campaign to defend his newspaper. And the latest Government attacks on the Observer are a chilling bid to curb free speech.