Philippines: The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands authorities to drop charges against Maria Ressa

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July 22, 2020, Manila, Philippines -- Maria Ressa, one of the Philippines’ most prominent journalists, has appeared before court today giving her statement about tax evasion charges in a case she has described as a form of harassment.

Maria Ressa is the founder of Rappler news site and was named  a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018 for fighting media intimidation. Maria and her team have been facing several lawsuits in the Philippines where the Duterte government is increasing pressure on democratic freedoms.

Maria was convicted of libel last month and sentenced to up to six years in prison and she was freed on bail to appeal against the libel verdict.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism recently participated in a global press freedom campaign with 60 other organizations - #HoldTheLine - to support Maria Ressa and condemn her conviction by a court in Manila. 

According to the Rappler, this case is one of three active tax evasion cases against Maria Ressa. 

Media watchdogs and human rights activists say the charges against Maria are part of a broader strategy to silence or humiliate opponents of Duterte.

Ressa’s court appearance today related to accusations Rappler falsified tax returns by omitting the proceeds of a sale of depositary receipts to foreign investors, which later became the securities regulator’s basis to revoke its licence, wrote The Guardian on the hearing.

During today’s hearing, the prosecutor asked to substantially amend the information on charge sheet, by adding Rappler Holdings, right before Maria’s hearing- almost 2 years after it was filed. Maria said it showed that she really was the focus.

Maria was arraigned today on the amended information and she plead non guilty, in the case that she has previously paid 1 million pesos in travel bond.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism keeps “holding the line” in Maria Ressa’s words for freedom of expression. We demand the Duterte regime to drop all charges against Maria.