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In 14 months, my government, the Philippine 2 government, has filed 11 cases. I posted bail eight times, I've been arrested twice in five weeks, detained once, and the only thing I've done, my only crime is to be a journalist, to speak truth to power.
Maria Ressa
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the struggle and sacrifices a journalist makes in the pursuit of truth and justice.

Maria Ressa's quote illustrates the personal and professional risks faced by journalists who confront authority and expose injustices. Despite facing numerous legal challenges and detentions, she emphasizes that her only 'crime' is her commitment to reporting the truth, which portrays the inherent dangers of speaking out against power and underscores the vital role of journalism in a democratic society.

Themes

JournalismTruthCouragePowerFreedom Of Speech

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech addressing the importance of press freedom.

More from Maria Ressa

The social media platforms have taken over the distribution of news globally. They treat a lie the same way you would treat a fact.
Maria RessaRead
The difference between Rappler and other newsgroups in the Philippines is that journalists control Rappler both editorially and commercially. We make decisions that are bad for business but protect the public sphere.
Maria RessaRead
If you want to rip the heart out of a democracy, you go after the facts. That's what modern authoritarians do. You lie. All the time. Then, you say it's your opponents and the journalists who lie.
Maria RessaRead
Embrace your fear. Imagine what you're most afraid of, touch it and hold it so that you rob it of its power.
Maria RessaRead
Let me go back to a fundamental thing we all used to agree on: information is power. That's why we became journalists in the first place.
Maria RessaRead
Technology enabled Rappler's fast growth starting in 2012, but we were also among the first victims when social media was weaponized in 2016.
Maria RessaRead

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