Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The Samoa anti-government blogger Malele Paulo has been arrested.

Malele Paulo, who uses the pseudonym "King Faipopo," is being held in police custody.

He's been charged with making threatening social media statements towards the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, under new criminal libel law.

Mr Paulo, who is based in Australia, was arrested in Apia after he returned to Samoa for his mother's funeral.

In August, Tuilaepa said he was filing a lawsuit against Mr Paulo over accusation he'd posted to his blog.