Maria Ressa case: The end of democracy in the Philippines?
The conviction of Rappler editor highlights the pressure on media from President Rodrigo Duterte’s government.
On Monday, June 22 at 19:30 GMT:
In yet another blow to press freedom in the Philippines, prominent journalist Maria Ressa, executive editor of the hugely popular news site Rappler, has been found guilty of cyber-libel and now faces prison.
Ressa denies the charges and has promised to fight what she says is a politically-motivated effort to silence independent journalism by President Rodrigo Duterte’s government. Rights groups have roundly criticised the case, with Amnesty International calling it “a sham”.
The government rejects the charge that it is trying to silence Ressa and Rappler. Spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte “supports free speech and a free press” and this is simply a case of “bad journalism“.
“We are meant to be a cautionary tale,” the former CNN correspondent warned the Philippine media in a news conference after the verdict. “We are meant to make you afraid. But don’t be afraid. Because if you don’t use your rights, you will lose them.”
In this episode of The Stream, we are joined by Maria Ressa to discuss her case, the controversial cyber-libel law and Duterte’s increasingly combative relationship with the media.
On this episode of The Stream we are joined by:
Maria Ressa, @mariaressa
Co-founder and CEO, Rappler
rappler.com
Read more:
Maria Ressa found guilty in blow to Philippines’ press freedom – Al Jazeera
Rappler CEO Maria Ressa: ‘We are going to fight back – Al Jazeera