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Ms Maria Ressa receives the Freedom of Speech award for her dedication to telling people what is happening in the world and for exposing human rights violations. No matter how harsh the circumstances or how much resistance she faces. She is committed to press freedom, first as an investigative reporter on terrorism for CNN in Southeast Asia and now as executive editor of the online news outlet Rappler.
Speech Maria Ressa
More about Ressa
Ms Ressa started Rappler in 2012 as a social news network to bring about social engagement and change. At the same time, Rappler is a critical news organisation with a wide range of coverage, from politics to entertainment. Rappler is one of the few media organisations in the Philippines that is openly critical of the "war on drugs". Their insistence on documenting the deadly reality of this "war" has made them fall into disfavour with the authorities.
However, this does not diminish Ms Ressa's drive as a journalist to find out the truth and hold the authorities accountable. Although she has been personally attacked and threatened with death, she says she will always continue to speak out for the sake of future generations. Ms Ressa is a true advocate of freedom of expression and an example and inspiration to us all.
Other laureates from 2020


United Nations


Religions for Peace International


Sander de Kramer

