Prominent Filipino journalist Maria Ressa has been found guilty of cyber libel in a case widely condemned as politically motivated. She has 15 days to appeal the decision but risks spending up to six years in prison.

UPDATE: Reports from the Philippines confirm that Maria Ressa was arrested today and will be taken to court in relation to cyber libel offences.

The Golden Pen of Freedom, the annual press freedom award of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), has been awarded to Maria Ressa, Co-founder, CEO and Executive Editor of online news site, Rappler.

Journalist and author Maria Ressa describes herself on Twitter as a cynic, a pragmatist and an idealist. In the face of attacks against her and her publication, Rappler, the idealism and optimism that Ressa continues to exude has carried her through her professional challenges to make her an inspiration for journalists in the Philippines, and around the world.