“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.
“We are not taking all these sitting down. As we always say, an attack on one is an attack on all.”
“We are entitled to appeal this decision and will do so, especially since the proceedings were highly irregular.”
Rappler CEO and veteran journalist Maria Ressa highlighted the continuing attacks against Filipino journalists as she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize award in Oslo, Norway yesterday, International Human Rights Day.
In a statement, the International Association of Women in Radio and Television – Philippines said this is a vindication for Filipino journalists who have been targeted under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
By DEE AYROSO
“We implore the Canadian government to take action on these concerns with urgency, as our country further descends into an authoritarian state.”
In the Philippines, journalists are being attacked while perpetrators of extrajudicial killings go free, laments journalist and recently freed political detainee Lady Ann Salem.
The recent conviction of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former reporter-researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. brought to the fore cyber libel as a weapon against journalists.
The issue here goes beyond Rappler as other dominant and alternative news media organizations are also under attack. Ressa only becomes a convenient target because of her high profile. That’s what she has in common with ABS-CBN which is a leading network. The chilling effect becomes clear by targeting both of them.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said the trial was “a test run for the latest weapon the State can now wield to intimidate and silence not only the media but all citizens who call out government abuse.”