Philippines: Lady Ann Salem Faces Relentless Legal Persecution by Authorities
December 11, 2024 - Manila, Philippines
Women Press Freedom condemns continued legal persecution of journalist Lady Ann Salem and her husband, Rodrigo Esparago.
Lady Ann Salem, a founding member of Altermidya, has faced relentless harassment since her arrest in Mandaluyong City on December 11, 2020. Despite her release on March 5, 2021, after court orders dismissed fabricated charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, authorities continue to target her for her bold reporting and dissenting views.
In August 2024, the Solicitor General appealed to the Philippine Supreme Court to reopen the cases against Salem and her husband. This move not only threatened their rights but also set a dangerous precedent for press freedom in the Philippines.
Salem’s case mirrors the plight of other journalists like Frenchimae Cumpio, a former colleague and imprisoned journalist. These attacks aim to silence voices that speak truth to power, undermining democracy and press freedom.
We call on the Philippine authorities to end these chilling tactics and respect the rights of journalists. The international community must stand in solidarity with Salem and others, advocating for an end to the persecution of truth-tellers worldwide.
On December 9, 2024, Espreso TV journalist Maria Ivanovska was threatened by an armed man in Kremenchuk while investigating alleged sales of banned Russian oil products.
We call on the Philippine authorities to end these chilling tactics and respect the rights of journalists.
Israeli airstrike kills Palestinian journalist Eman El Shanti, along with her husband and three sons.
Volha Radzivonava sentenced to 4 years in prison for “insulting the president” and “discrediting Belarus.”
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the brutal murder of journalist Hanan Adam and her brother by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
On December 9, 2024, Espreso TV journalist Maria Ivanovska was threatened by an armed man in Kremenchuk while investigating alleged sales of banned Russian oil products.
Multiple journalists from independent outlet Meydan TV including Khayala Agayeva, Aynur Elgunesh, Aysel Umudova and others, detained by Azerbaijani authorities.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze, who was attacked live on air by multiple masked men reportedly tied to the Georgian government.
We reiterate our call to drop all charges against her and join the #FreeNarges to call again for her full release.
Supreme Court upholds the death sentence of Kurdish journalist Pakhshan Azizi, reinforcing the regime's brutal crackdown on dissent.
Aktualitysk journalist Laura Kellö Kalinská was subjected to an online attack by Daniel Bombic, also known as Danny Kollár, a far-right conspiracist residing in London and facing criminal charges.
The journalist is being accused of the “appropriation and disclosure of a national defense secret.” She faces a potential 5-year prison sentence and a €75k fine if convicted.
On December 4, 2024, police raided the homes of journalists Mónica Rodríguez & Steve Magaña, known for their human rights work.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze insulted Formula TV journalist Eliso Jariashvili during a press conference, calling her "miserable" and accusing her of taking "dirty money."
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marine's family and loved ones and urge authorities to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into her untimely passing.
A man, who appeared uninvited and became verbally aggressive, forced the group to abandon the interview
Channel Nine reporter Airlie Walsh has filed a sex discrimination lawsuit against her employer, Channel Nine, while on maternity leave.
Court partially upheld sports journalist Ana Inés Martínez’s claims against Channel 10.
Court issues a detention order for exiled journalist Ayşe Kara during her retrial on charges of "membership in a terrorist organization."
WPF stands in solidarity with Rachel Yonkunas, an Emmy-winning investigative reporter, who is suing News12 Long Island for gender-based discrimination after being unfairly sidelined and fired.
Journalist’s truck was riddled with bullets, leaving her wounded after she was attacked by unknown assailants on December 1, 2024.
Sports reporter Ashley Wenskoski called out Miami's mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, for inappropriate behavior toward her while covering a college football game in Syracuse, New York.
Women Press Freedom demands immediate accountability from Georgian authorities. These assaults on the press are assaults on democracy itself. The world must stand with Georgian journalists now—before it’s too late.
Rachel Gilmore was publicly harassed for her reporting when an individual demanded she reveal her sources. The interaction was filmed and shared online, escalating the harassment.
Yohali Reséndiz received chilling death threats and sexual violence via WhatsApp, including a video of a corpse and calls threatening to rape and dismember her
Jelena Mirković and cameraman Aleksandar Cvrkotić attacked while they were covering a protest in Belgrade. Shoved, struck, and harassed, Mirković called it the worst attack in her decade-long career.
We urge the U.S. judicial system to ensure Williams receives the justice she deserves and to hold these media companies accountable for any breaches of law and ethics.
We demand Pakistani authorities investigate the incidents and hold those responsible to account.
We demand Chinese authorities release Zhang Zhan immediately and end the persecution of journalists.
Court issues an arrest warrant for France 24 journalist Catherine Norris Trent, accusing her of “illegally entering” Kursk while reporting on Ukraine’s summer incursion.
