March 5, 2021— Rappler CEO & Executive Editor, Maria Ressa, was once again summoned to court. In the latest legal challenge, Maria faces charges of tax evasion. The prosecutor believes Rapplers' parent company owed sales taxes, given their alleged dealings in financial securities. These accusations are the latest in the slew of baseless claims filed against the journalist. CFWIJ condemns the relentless legal harassment of Maria Ressa and demands the Filipino government end the unjustified torment against her.

Maria Ressa, the founder of the online news website Rappler, stood trial for the latest charges against her. The latest indictment of tax evasion charges is another challenge in her ongoing legal battle, with no end in sight. Maria sees it as another attempt on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte to deter her and other critics from speaking out against the administration. 

Maria, when speaking to reporters outside the Manila courthouse, said, "It's surreal, it's unbelievable—but it's the price of doing journalism, unfortunately. We will win these cases." When questioned about the latest tax evasion charges, Maria explained, "A dealer in securities? We’re not. We’re a news organisation." Maria shared the video on Twitter page, captioned, "Death by a thousand cuts - but we will win because it’s the right side of history #CourageON #HoldTheLine."

Former CNN journalist and one of Time’s Person of the Year in 2018, Maria Ressa is a victim of interminable legal harassment fuelled by several lawsuits and tax evasion charges. The Coalition For Women In Journalism has a detailed timeline of the impediments Maria Ressa has faced in her years of dedicated work. We urge the Filipino government to drop the fabricated charges against Maria and respect press freedom in the country.