#HoldTheLine coalition sounds alarm at the escalating prosecution of Maria Ressa

On the eve of a new series of trials against Maria Ressa – Rappler founder and CEO – the #HoldTheLine coalition is calling for an end to the escalating and ongoing campaign of prosecution against her.

Ressa is required to appear in Philippine court three times this week: on 3 February she will appear in connection with four tax charges, on 4 February she is due to return with a Rappler reporter for a hearing on the latest cyber-libel case, on 5 February she is scheduled to appear for a separate cyber-libel case.

The #HoldTheLine coalition, led by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), stands with Ressa to #HoldTheLine and defend independent media:

“The #HoldTheLine Coalition condemns the growing legal harassment of Maria Ressa, which is clearly intended to silence public interest reporting and commentary aimed at holding the Philippine government to account. This cluster of hearings highlights the absurdity of the cases against her, which constitute legal abuse of a courageous independent journalist and the news outlet she founded. We stand with Maria Ressa and Rappler, and call for the charges against them to be dropped and this unrelenting pressure brought to an end once and for all”, said the steering committee.

Support Maria Ressa and Rappler by signing and sharing the petition.