“While colleagues similarly face legal challenges — from libel to made-up terrorism charges — in relation to their work, we take inspiration from this acquittal that if we stand up and hold the line, we can win,” NUJP stated.
Journalist Lady Ann Salem thanked Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio for “seeing the truth behind the fabricated charges” and all those who supported the campaign for her release.
“The Icy that we grew up and spent our high school days with — a diligent student, a committed and effective leader, an articulate writer, a skillful athlete, and a loyal and loving friend — could not be further from the gun-wielding terrorist the police is trying to portray.”
“Her abduction, on Human Rights Day no less, is another proof of the dangers of the administration’s vile practice of red-tagging.”
This powerful video pays tribute to all Colombian journalists who have been threatened, attacked, or murdered because of their work, highlighting the ongoing search for justice in the cases of Jineth Bedoya, Edison Molina, and Guillermo Cano.
For weeks before the shooting, elements of the 54th IB frequented Lee’s residence as well as the offices of IPM and Justice and Peace Advocates of Ifugao, of which Lee is also a member.