UN experts slam moves to shut down Rappler

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

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UN experts slam moves to shut down Rappler

Martin San Diego

UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard and two other experts say, 'We are gravely concerned that the government is moving to revoke Rappler's license'

MANILA, Philippines – United Nations special rapporteur Agnes Callamard and two other experts slammed moves to shut down Rappler after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked the license of the social news network. 

“We are gravely concerned that the government is moving to revoke Rappler’s license,” the 3 UN special rapporteurs said in a joint statement.

“As a matter of human rights law, there is no basis to block it from operating. Rappler and other independent outlets need particular protection because of the essential role they play in ensuring robust public debate,” they added.

The UN experts described Rappler as “an innovative and independent source of news and analysis in the Philippines,” which has “provided critical coverage” of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. (READ: The Rappler story: Independent journalism with impact

The following UN experts issued this statement:

  • David Kaye, special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
  • Agnes Callamard, special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions; and 
  • Michel Forst, special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

Callamard is the same UN rapporteur who has angered Duterte for supposedly meddling in his anti-drug campaign. 

Callamard, Kaye, and Forst said in their joint statement, “We are especially concerned that this move against Rappler comes at a time of rising rhetoric against independent voices in the country.”

“We urge the government to return to its path of protection and promotion of independent media, especially those covering issues in the public interest,” the UN rapporteurs added. – Rappler.com

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Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com