Clashes with DuterteHer arrest sparked international and local censure and allegations she was being targeted over her news site’s criticism of President Duterte. Amnesty International condemned the arrest of Ressa on what the group called “trumped-up libel charge.”“This is brazenly politically motivated, and consistent with the authorities’ threats and repeated targeting of Ressa and her team. #pressfreedom.”CNN’s Christiane Amanpour described Ressa’s arrest as a “desperate” move by the Duterte administration. Lawmakers on Thursday came to Ressa’s defense, warning that her arrest was curtailment of free speech and erosion of democracy. Sen. Francis Pangilinan called Ressa’s arrest harassment and said the administration was going after the institutions that could stand up to its abuse of power.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 14, 2019 21:32 UTC