Rappler CEO Maria Ressa Arrested for Cyber Libel

(UPDATED) The arrest is in connection with a story published by Rappler in May 2012 – or 4 months before the law that Maria Ressa and researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr allegedly violated was enacted

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Officers from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa early Wednesday evening, February 13, in connection with a cyber libel case filed by the justice department. (READ: Rappler statement on Maria Ressa’s arrest: ‘We will continue to tell the truth’)

The arrest warrant was issued Tuesday, February 12, by Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio Montesa of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46. The Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended the filing in court of cyber libel charges against Ressa and former Rappler researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr over a story published in May 2012 – or 4 months before the law that they allegedly violated was enacted.

Source: www.rappler.com