Philippine Journalist Maria Ressa Acquitted of Final Tax Evasion Charge

Nobel laureate Maria Ressa was acquitted of the last of five tax evasion charges filed against her during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Ressa, co-founder of the investigative news site Rappler, said the charges were meant to harass and intimidate her for scrutiny of Duterte.
The acquittals are victories for Ressa and Rappler, though they still face legal battles over a cyber libel conviction and closure order.
Ressa's lawyer said the acquittals send a message about protecting press freedom and democracy in the Philippines.
As a prominent journalist, Ressa has faced multiple criminal charges since Duterte took office in 2016.