A New York, United
States of America (USA) based human rights group is of the conclusion that freedom
of the press in the Philippines just suffered a "devastating blow"
with the conviction of Rappler CEO and founder Maria Ressa and including Rey
Santos’ for cyber libel over a published article eight years ago.
The court sentenced
Maria Ressa and former Rappler researche Reynaldo Santos Jr. at least 6 months
up to 6 years in prison over the 2012 story that linked a businessman Wilfredo
Keng to alleged illegal activities.
International
watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) through its deputy Asia director Phil
Robertson said, "The verdict against Maria Ressa highlights the ability of
the Philippines’ abusive leader to manipulate the laws to go after critical,
well-respected media voices whatever the ultimate cost to the country."
 |
| Rappler CEO and
founder Maria Ressa (photo credit to owner) |
"The Rappler
case will reverberate not just in the Philippines, but in many countries that
long considered the country a robust environment for media freedom."
According to HRW, journalist/media
group have suffered intimidation and attacks online and offline.
“The government
should reverse this alarming affront to justice and quash the convictions of
Rappler’s Ressa and Santos,” Robertson said. “The prosecution was not just an
attack on these individual journalists but also a frontal assault on freedom of
the press that is critical to protect and preserve Philippines democracy.” international
watchdog Human Rights Watch said.
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