25 Oct 2006

Samoa police charge TV boss with assault of journalist

3:27 pm on 25 October 2006

Samoa's Broadcasting Corporation's chief executive officer, Galumalemana Faiesea Matafeo, has been charged with the assault of the journalist, Atofu Moana from Le Samoa newspaper.

It follows a police investigation into a complaint by the journalist who was allegedly attacked by the TV boss outside the court house.

The incident happened while the journalist was taking the photo of the CEO's son who is facing two charges of negligent driving causing death and injuries.

Meanwhile, the journalist is prepared to drop the complaint after the CEO met his parents.

A family member of the journalist says both sides have been reconciled in the usual manners of the Samoan culture with Galumalemana apologising to the journalist and his family.

But police say the case will be heard for mention next Tuesday with both the complainant and the defendant to appear.

It will then up to the court to decide whether to continue with the case.