Maria Ressa Cyber Libel Case: Fair Or Press Freedom Oppression?

Maria Ressa arrested for cyber libel, is it an oppression of press freedom?

Rappler Chief Executive Officer Maria Ressa was arrested for cyber libel and a question lingers to the minds of some people: is it fair or oppression of press freedom?

Based on a previous report, Ressa faces charges for an article published on the online news site last 2012. It was a story regarding a former Department of Justice (DOJ) Chief Renato Corona who allegedly used the vehicle from a controversial businessman.

maria ressa
Photo source: ABS-CBN

According to the Rappler CEO, they were just telling the story and arresting her crosses another line.

“That still doesn’t mean that Rappler or I hope any journalist in the Philippines will stop telling the truth. We will and must hold the line,” she said.

In line with this statement from Maria Ressa, the question arises: “is it oppression of press freedom?

usinessman Wilfredo D. Keng was the one who filed the complaint against Rappler, the one pointed who owned the SUV that Corona used.

PEP’s article cited that according to Rappler, the case has no way to progress because it happened in 2014. There was no Cybercrime Prevention Act yet during that time. The online news site iterated that it was oppression of press freedom.

Kiko Pangilinan

The National Bureau of Investigation stated that the said “malicious” article is still on the site of Rappler. In line with this reason, Maria Ressa and Rappler are still liable.

Wilfredo Keng’s lawyer said that it is not merely an issue of press freedom. Their point is that Rappler did not give the businessman a chance to air his side regarding the accusations despite he plead, based on the report.

It is just fair to arrest Maria Ressa or is it oppression of press freedom?

What can you say about this?

READ ALSO: Kiko Pangilinan Reacts on Rappler CEO Maria Ressa Arrest

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