Online attacks vs young Filipino activists spilling into real worldIn this 2020 file photo, activists troop to University of the Philippines Diliman to protest passage of the Ant-Terrorism Act. MANILA, Philippines — Persistent online attacks against young human rights defenders in the Philippines have created a climate of fear and mistrust that ripples through families and communities, according to a new report by a human rights watchdog. The study by Amnesty International, released on Monday, October 14, draws from interviews with 41 young human rights activists between ages 19 and 28, extensive desk research, and analysis of social media content. The practice was led by National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, whose red-tagging legitimized threats against young rights defenders. Mia Tonogbanua, a former member of Amnesty International Philippines' youth board, said young activists like her are indiscriminately targeted regardless of their advocacies.

Source: Philippine Star October 14, 2024 13:26 UTC