Manila (AFP)

Filipino journalist Maria Ressa pleaded not guilty to tax evasion on Wednesday, as many voices demand the dropping of multiple lawsuits against this virulent criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Maria Ressa, 56, is the co-founder of the online news site Rappler, which has been targeted by several legal proceedings after publishing articles critical of the head of state's policies, including his bloody and controversial campaign against the drug traffic.

The ex-CNN journalist was convicted last month in a defamation case presented by his supporters as an attempt to muzzle critics of Mr Duterte.

In a video posted to Twitter, she announced on Wednesday that she had pleaded not guilty to tax evasion in a Manila court.

Ms. Ressa, who also has American nationality, is accused of having provided incorrect information in a tax return that concerned nearly 300,000 pesos (5,200 euros) in 2015, reports Rappler.

"We will fight each of the battles because we do not want to give up anything," the journalist said in her video. "I will not voluntarily waive my rights."

Ms. Ressa also posted selfies with her lawyer on Twitter where they both wear masks and face shields in court.

Human rights organizations and press freedom associations claim that the defamation case, the tax proceedings against Rappler and the government's efforts to withdraw his credentials to the site amount to harassment.

Amnesty International has claimed that the "attacks" on Rappeler were part of a campaign against press freedom in the Philippines.

On Tuesday, students at Princeton University from which Ms. Ressa is a graduate, teachers and staff at Princeton University issued a full-page statement in the Washington Post urging US President Donald Trump to "use his influence "to convince the Duterte government to drop all charges against the journalist, her ex-colleague Reynaldo Santos who was also found guilty of defamation and against Rappler.

"Throughout the history of the United States, presidents have used their influence against authoritarian governments that violate the rights of American citizens abroad. The current administration should do the same," read this open letter.

"Failure to do so would only reduce America's role as the leader of the democratic world."

A petition launched online by international press groups in support of Ms. Ressa and the Filipino media has so far collected 10,000 signatures.

Mr. Duterte recently signed an anti-terrorism law that many fear will serve to muzzle dissidents and curtail press freedom.

© 2020 AFP