Philippines Journalist Maria Ressa Released on Bail After Arrest for ‘Cyber Libel’

Philippines journalists Maria Ressa, an outspoken critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, was released on bail Thursday following her arrest a day prior on a charge broadly viewed as an attempt to silence her.

Ressa, editor and CEO of the influential English-language news website Rappler, was apprehended at the company's Manila headquarters Wednesday night and charged with "cyber libel."

Philippines broadcaster ABS-CBN reports that Ressa was released after posting bail equal to about US$1,915.

Philippines journalists Maria Ressa, an outspoken critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, was released on bail Thursday following her arrest a day prior on a charge broadly viewed as an attempt to silence her. Ressa, editor and CEO of the influential English-language news website Rappler, was apprehended at the company's Manila headquarters Wednesday night and charged with "cyber libel." Philippines broadcaster ABS-CBN reports that Ressa was released after posting bail equal to about US$1,915.