Philippine journalist Maria Ressa found guilty of cyber libel

Ressa and her news site Rappler have been the target of legal action and probes after publishing stories critical of President Rodrigo Duterte’s policies

Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, who is part of Ressa’s legal team, said the conviction was ‘a stark warning to the press, and a blow to democracy in the Philippines’

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Philippine journalist Maria Ressa. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:21am, 15 Jun 2020Updated: 10:25pm, 15 Jun 2020

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa was on Monday convicted of libel in a case she and watchdogs say is aimed at silencing critics of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Judge Rainelda Estacio Montesa sentenced Ressa, 56, and her co-accused, former researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jnr, to a period of imprisonment up to six years and no less than six months and one day.

In handing down the verdict, the judge said the exercise of a freedom “should and must be used with due regard to the freedom of others”.

Montesa allowed Ressa and Santos to post bail, and their camp said they would appeal the verdict.

Ressa and her news site Rappler have been the target of legal action and probes after publishing stories critical of Duterte’s policies, including his drug war that has killed thousands.

Ressa said the verdict was a blow to press freedom and democracy, but not unexpected and called on journalists and the public to continue the fight: “We are meant to be a cautionary tale. We are meant to make you afraid. Don’t be afraid,” she said.

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