A group of Filipino American journalists released a letter in opposition to the charges against Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos on Tuesday, according to Rappler.
The letter is written to journalists in the Philippines with solidarity.It was signed by 76 Filipino American journalists.
Among the 76 co-signers is Jose Antonio Vargas, Filipino American Pulitzer Prize winner.
Journalist and Rappler CEO Ressa and former Rappler researcher-writer Santos were convicted of cyber libel on June 15, according to PBS News Hour. Rappler is an independent news website that prides itself on investigating Filipino President Rodrigo Duerte without fear.
Many press freedom advocates feel the conviction of Ressa and Santos to crackdown on journalists that have been critical of him. The letter explains why the charges against Ressa and should be dropped and “demand a reversal of the court’s decision.
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“Referring to the U.S. Constitution and the 1987 constitution of the Philippines, they defend the civil right to freedom of speech and freedom of the press.At the end of the letter, they quote Ressa.
“‘It would be great if we didn’t have to fight our own government'” and then write, “We Filipino American journalists stand with you.”
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