15 January
Around the world, there are a number of rulers who have enacted legislation to protect themselves from ridicule, abuse, or even question.
That kind of legislation is one the most reprehensible forms of oppression of free speech that can occur. The right of citizens to question their rulers is the price a ruler pays for being in that position.
It is therefore with great sadness that I see that Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa has caused the arrest of a man who poked fun at him. The fine of 30 cartons of tinned fish and two cows is no laughing matter!
The irony is that we suspect Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi is trying to hide something, and an extensive investigation has turned up a startling possibility!
Copyright © Alan Charman