Netizens this week expressed outrage over what they described as “a violation of people’s right to free expression,” and the government “weaponizing” the law against dissenters. The subject of their support is Joshua Molo, 20, editor in chief of the University of the East student paper, UE Dawn. In a Facebook post, Molo recalled the events that led to his public apology over posts criticizing the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic that, he said, ignored the needs of poor families like his. Barangay officials in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, had invited him to a mediation meeting on April 5 because of a blotter complaint over his Instagram posts critical of the administration, Molo recounted. Fear over the threats and the possibility of being Red-tagged by the police made him sign the blotter report, Molo said, adding that despite the apology, he would “continue [his] advocacy for the public’s right to free expression and information.“ADVERTISEMENTRead NextEDITORS' PICKMOST READ

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 11, 2020 20:15 UTC