National Press Club and its Journalism Institute speak out against wrongful conviction of journalist Maria Ressa

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Jun 15, 2020, 12:51 ET

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from National Press Club President Michael Freedman and National Press Club Journalism Institute President Angela Greiling Keane on the conviction yesterday in a Manila Court of Maria Ressa Executive Editor of Rappler:

We are deeply concerned and disappointed to learn of the conviction of crusading journalist Maria Ressa on charges of cyber libel. The Government of the Philippines has repeatedly charged Ms. Ressa over the last several years with a variety of bogus counts trying very hard to get something to stick. Make no mistake they are looking to silence her outspoken and fearless voice, which is often in opposition to many of the restrictive and illegal policies of the government. The people of the Philippines lose an important voice if Ms. Ressa is silenced -- as does the world. It was not long ago in January of 2019 that Maria Ressa was named among the group honored as "Persons of the Year" in Time magazine's issue on Press Freedom. Time was right to place a spotlight on her courage and remarkable achievements as a journalist. We must all stand up for Maria Ressa at this critical time.

We invite her to come to the National Press Club right now if she will be allowed to make the trip. We are anxious to hear from her.

The National Press Club, the world's leading professional organization for journalists, represents more than 3,000 reporters, editors and professional communicators worldwide. The National Press Club Journalism Institute, a nonprofit affiliate of the Club, promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire civic engagement.

CONTACT: Lindsay Underwood for The National Press Club; [email protected], (202) 662-7561

SOURCE National Press Club