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On Sept. 29, the Regional Trial Court of Tacloban has scheduled a hearing for the rebuttal of evidence on her case. In this timeline, Bulatlat looks back on Cumpio’s case, the lone Filipino journalist who is currently behind bars for her work.
The Commission reminded the state of its obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and its Optional Protocol, which require humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and safeguard against inhumane or degrading conditions.
“Kapatid expresses grave concern over mounting reports of neglect, discrimination, and abuses against political prisoners Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle Domequil, and other inmates at TCJFD under Warden Eva Naputo and Senior Jail Officer 1 Dalmacio Canayong."
Frenchie Mae Cumpio reportedly saw jail officials taking photos of written communication and documents handed to her by her visiting lawyers, which is a direct violation of her right to private communication with legal counsel.
The UPR Watch said that Khan’s report reflects the wanton violations of human rights in the country under the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration.
Frenchie Mae Cumpio’s case has been listed as one of the 10 most urgent press freedom cases in the world.
A memorandum issued by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit based in La Union province reveals the existence of “Project ‘Exit the Greylist.’” It directly links the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) process to at least one terrorist financing case against an activist.
We assert that journalism is no crime. The public service that journalism brings is essential now more than ever amid our increasingly fragile democracy. We urge the public to join our call: End the systematic use of anti-terrorism policies against civilians, junk the Anti-Terror Law, and abolish the NTF-ELCAC.
Alone we cannot do it. A big part of that is because of our readers and supporters, and our reason for being – the marginalized and oppressed sectors, the ordinary Filipinos whose miseries and victories we strive to amplify in every story we produce.
United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan urged the Philippine government to review cases of journalists facing charges in court, asking as well about the status of yet unsolved media killings in the country.
“Frenchie has finally had an opportunity to take the stand to defend herself. It has taken the government nearly half a decade to prepare a case against Frenchie and during this long period, this young woman has been left to languish in detention. That itself raises serious questions about the fairness of the process."
“We were not hiding anything,” Cumpio said during the hearing. “We would have allowed them in because we have nothing illegal to hide,” she said, referring to the Feb. 7, 2020 raids.
"If Cumpio and Domequil who have voices to speak for being a journalist and a church worker respectfully are already being persecuted by weaponized laws, how can an ordinary Filipino seek justice for himself?"
“We appeal to the Commission of Human Rights to help us remind the government to honor the rights of Cumpio under the Mandela Rules and other human rights related to her being a political detainee."
“It has become a policy to detain and arrest political prisoners on trumped-up charges, most are criminal charges and it’s non-bailable. As for the people who know political prisoners, they are known as servants in their communities, peasants, workers, and even church people."
On International Women’s Day, journalists have called for the release of detained community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio.
“The recent visit and observations made by UNSR Khan have brought to light the unjust state of their prolonged detention, begging an immediate review and dismissal of the charges against them, should evidence be lacking,” the groups said.
“The whole concept of freedom of expression is to be able to say what you want even if it offends the other side. The government should encourage a greater culture of tolerance.” -- Special Rapporteur on Free Expression and Opinion Irene Khan
“Frenchie used to lead the Eastern Vista, where is it now? They used to report the prices of basic commodities of Samar and how it affects the people. No one does that now. It is a big disservice to the poor in the region.”
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