Former CNN office manager in the Philippines and former news director for the ABS-CBN television channel, Maria Ressa published in 2012 as editor-in-chief of "The Rappler" an investigation into alleged connections of the then president of the Supreme Court with a businessman.

Philippine justice found him guilty of "cyber defamation" on June 15.

Despite growing obstacles to press freedom in her country, Maria Ressa, also prosecuted in seven other cases, says she is "confident" that the call she has made will be heard.

Refraining from calling Rodrigo Duterte a dictator, she accused him of being a threat to democracy and the rule of law.

Her response to the Covid-19 crisis was, she said, insufficient, stifling the voices of scientists to the benefit of those of government officials.

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