Philippines to charge critical news site with tax evasion

By Dilip -
The Philippines says it will charge the major news site Rappler, which has been critical of President Rodrigo Duterte, with tax evasion. Prosecutors said on Friday they also have grounds to indict founder Maria Ressa for violating tax laws after not declaring gains made in tax returns. Rappler has denied the charges, calling the case a "clear form of continuing intimidation and harassment".
If found guilty Ms Ressa could be fined and jailed for up to 10 years.

The government accuses Rappler and its chief executive of failing to pay tax on 2015 bond sales which resulted in 162.5 million pesos ($3 million; £2.3 million) in gains.

Why Rappler is raising Philippine press freedom fears
Duterte: The 'strongman' of the Philippines
The state of Philippine media

The English-language outlet's lawyer told journalists the case "has no legal leg to stand on" because Rappler did not evade any tax obligation. A justice department official told news agency AFP the charges would be filed in court next week. Earlier this year, the site had its licence revoked by the state, igniting a national debate about press freedom... read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46163094

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