Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, who was one of two recipients of the prize in 2021 for her efforts to safeguard freedom of expression and the press, was cleared of tax evasion charges by the Court of Tax Appeals in the Philippines. She faces other legal challenges, widely recognized as politically motivated, and symptomatic of a broader global attack on freedom of expression.
Maria Ressa and investigative journalism website Rappler, of which she is the founder and CEO, were charged with tax evasion in 2018. Rappler documented persecution and summary execution of thousands of people under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s regime, fact-checked government statements, and exposed fake news. In addition to legal proceedings regarding taxes, Maria Ressa was convicted of libel and sentenced to jail, and Rappler has faced numerous attempts to revoke its operating license.
"Today, facts win, truth wins, justice wins," said Maria Ressa upon the acquittal.
"We welcome the acquittal of Maria Ressa by the Court of Tax Appeals of the Philippines today. It is a critical result for freedom of expression and the press, especially at a time when we face a global information crisis,” said Maria Butler, Executive Director of Nobel Women’s Initiative.
“A free and independent press is vital to building and sustaining peace. But worldwide, freedom of expression is under threat, press freedoms are being curtailed and independent facts – a prerequisite to an informed public – are being manipulated or suppressed,” noted Tawakkol Karman, journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Because of growing attacks on freedom of the press, Maria Ressa, alongside Dmitry Muratov, the second recipient of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, presented a “10-point plan to address our information crisis” in 2022. It was signed by Nobel Peace Prize laureates of the Nobel Women’s Initiative.
“We must remain vigilant and continue to support Maria Ressa, Rappler and independent journalists everywhere. Without freedom of the press, and freedom of expression, we cannot hope to achieve lasting peace. We reiterate our support for the 10 point plan and urge immediate action to meet its recommendations,” highlighted Maria Butler, Executive Director of Nobel Women’s Initiative.
Daina Ruduša
Head of Media and Communications
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