Philippines: CFWIJ condemns the continued detention of Lady Ann Salem despite the dismissal of all charges against her.

February 22, 2021, Manila: Journalist Lady Ann Salem continues to be detained in jail despite the fact that the court dismissed all charges against her due to police misconduct. Ann was arrested on December 10, 2020, and has been in prison since despite being innocent.

Lady Ann Salem, the editor of the Manila Today English-language news website, was arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition last year after the police raided her residence. On February 5, however, the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court dismissed all charges against her, terming the police action at the time extra-judicial. According to Manila Today, Ann was forced to turn her back towards the police during the raid, which meant it was possible for fake evidence to be planted in her home in her presence. Further, Ann was also denied legal counsel during her detention. 

The evidence gathered from Ann’s house was considered inadmissible by the court, because of the manner in which the entire operation was conducted. The court, thus, set Ann free from all charges. Immediately after the judgment, Ann’s legal team petitioned for her immediate release, however, the prosecution filed a motion opposing it. Ann now continues to be in jail despite no charges of misconduct against her.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism views this as nothing short of legal harassment and demands that Lady Ann Salem is set free immediately. These are intimidation tactics against a journalist for doing her job, and the state’s behavior from the very first day is reprehensible. Journalists are an important pillar of a democratic society and the violation of their civil liberties in condemnable in the strongest terms.