High-profile journalist Maria Ressa has been found guilty of libel in the Philippines’ in a case seen as a test of the country’s media freedom, the BBC reports. The former CNN journalist is the head of a news site that’s critical of strongman President Rodrigo Duterte. A writer for the site, Rappler, was also convicted. Both have been released on bail pending appeal – but could face six years in prison. In a country where journalists are under threat, Ressa’s case became symbolic and closely-followed – both domestically and internationally.
“Rappler and I were not the only ones on trial,” Ressa told the BBC after the verdict. “I think what you’re seeing is death by a thousand cuts – not just of press freedom but of democracy.”
The Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation, in partnership with Rappler, today held a forum (below) to discuss the implications of the cyber libel case and the verdict against Rappler, Maria Ressa, and former researcher Rey Santos.
We strongly condemn today’s conviction of @mariaressa, a champion of press freedom and our 2018 @ICFJKnight Award winner, the International Center for Journalists @ICFJ tweeted. This is a devastating blow for independent journalism not just in the Philippines but everywhere. #DefendPressFreedom #CourageON
Through massive networks of fake accounts, junk news sites, and the strategic use of conspiracy theories, half-truths, and falsehoods, authoritarian regimes and others are suffocating and dividing the public square. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, authoritarian governments and illiberal actors are drawing on similar approaches to discredit democracy while shaping international understandings of their response to the disease.
