Philippine journalist Ressa takes stand to rebut govt tax evasion lawsuits

Maria Ressa stands in front of reporters as she arrives at the Court of Tax Appeals in Metro Manila, Philippines on March 4, 2021. - AP

MANILA (Reuters): Veteran Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, who runs a website known for its tough scrutiny of President Rodrigo Duterte, took the witness stand for the first time on Thursday (March 4) to counter tax evasion charges that she maintains were politically motivated.

Ressa, a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018 for fighting media intimidation, is facing several government lawsuits that have stoked international concern about harassment of journalists in the Philippines, a country once seen as a standard bearer for press freedom in Asia.