A Samoan woman in the US has been fined $10,000 by her village after insulting the prime minister on Facebook.
The Samoa Observer reports Alalatoa Rosella Viane-Papalii has been found guilty of using insulting words directed at the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, but had 17 charges of harassment using an electronic device dismissed.
In considering the offending, the court placed weight on the $10,000 tālā fine imposed by the village of Fa'ala Palauli.
Her prior good character, personal circumstances, and being a mother and grandmother were also taken into consideration as she was handed a three-month suspended sentence.
Source:
RNZ Pacific