Philippines arrests Rappler news site founder again


FE Team | Published: March 29, 2019 13:05:55 | Updated: March 29, 2019 22:59:09


Maria Ressa, an executive of online news platform Rappler, speaks to the media after posting bail for tax evasion charges at Regional Trial Court Branch 265 in Pasig City, Metro Manila, in Philippines, December 3, 2018 - REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Prominent Philippine journalist Maria Ressa has been re-arrested at Manila airport, allegedly for violating laws barring foreign ownership of media.

Ms Ressa, the founder of news site Rappler, was granted bail after paying P90,000 ($1700; £1300).

It comes weeks after she was arrested over an alleged internet libel case.

Press freedom advocates say the veteran reporter is being targeted by President Rodrigo Duterte because of Rappler's critical reporting on the government.

Eleven legal cases have been filed against the outlet since January 2018, says a Reuters report.

Ms Ressa, who was named Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018, spoke to reporters as she was arrested.

"Obviously this is yet another abuse of my rights. I am being treated like a criminal when my only crime is to be an independent journalist," she said.

After her previous arrest on 13 February she spent a night in jail before being released on bail.

Share if you like