Reports from the Philippines confirm that Maria Ressa was arrested today and will be taken to court for violating Sec 4 (c) of the RA 10175, in relation to the cyber-libel case recently protested by WAN-IFRA.

Read the full protest here. Share our statements to raise awareness of Maria Ressa and Rappler's situation.

In immediate reaction, Vincent Peyrègne, WAN-IFRA CEO said:

"This is a despicable escalation in what is already an outrageous charge. Maria Ressa and Rappler have been under a sustained, politically motivated legal assault for years now, simply for doing their job of holding power to account. This latest attempt to prosecute Rappler for 'cyber libel' under legislation that was not even enacted when the alleged libellous article was published is simply absurd. If the case goes ahead - against the advice of the National Bureau of Investigation’s own legal team - then it sets a dangerous precedent that will send a chilling message to all online publishers. We call for Maria's immediate release, for the cyber libel case to be struck out, and for the harassment against her and Rappler to end, once and for all."

Dave Callaway, President of the World Editors Forum, said:

“This is an outrageous escalation in a growing war on the free press globally and specifically against a brave journalist seeking only to tell truth to power in the Philippines. Maria Ressa represents all of us and we must rally behind her at this dangerous moment.”

Updates to follow