The chief of a Philippines news site critical of President Duterte has been found guilty of defamation. Maria Ressa is a former journalist for the American channel CNN.
She can receive up to 6 years in prison.
Maria Ressa is the CEO of the news website Rappler, and she is a dual Filipino-American citizen.
Ressa has already received several press awards and has worked for the American channel CNN. She was one of the figures for the year in 2018.
The journalist denies everything. She calls on all journalists to continue to fight for their rights and to hold the policy to account.
Human rights organization Human Rights Watch also sees it as a political process.
“The verdict demonstrates how Philippine leader Duterte can manipulate laws to silence critical, respected media votes,” said Phil Robertson. Maria Ressa has yet to face other charges.
Filipino leader Duterte is known for his harsh approach to journalists and news sites who openly criticize him and his policies.