The Coalition For Women In Journalism has participated in a global press freedom campaign - #HoldTheLine - to support Maria Ressa and condemn her conviction by a court in Manila.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply disturbed by the conviction of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former journalist Reynaldo Santos for cyber libel by Philippine courts.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism continues to follow the attacks on journalist Maria Ressa and her Rappler team; which entails several charges including charges of cyber libel.

Second hearing for one of the most prominent Filipino journalists and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa’s cyber libel case took place today.

First hearing of the trial against Rappler CEO-journalist Maria Ressa and former researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos Jr for cyber libel case was held today.

Earlier today, Rappler CEO and award winning journalist Maria Ressa was called to court at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 49 on counts of cyber libel.

Following her arrest yesterday over the already disproven “cyber libel” charges, Maria Ressa got released today with bail by Manila RTC Branch 46 after paying P100,000 (Approx. 2000 USD). The court issued the release order after her bail was posted past noon. The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns The Philippines government’s attempts to stifle dissent and criticism with groundless accusations against journalists.

We condemn the arrest of our colleague Maria Ressa, who was taken into custody over already disproved “cyber libel”. The Philippine’s government’s attempts to stifle dissent and criticism must come to an end.