A statement tweeted by Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, seems to insinuate a position her government is taking on the credibility of the Philippine government.
Canada remains deeply concerned for the security and safety of @mariaressa in the #Philippines. The harassment and intimidation of journalists have no place in democracy. We call for due process to be respected and stand with all journalists working in defence of the truth.
So suspected tax evader Maria Ressa is “working in defence of the truth”? Is the Canadian government implying that the officials of the Philippine government are a bunch of liars and that Ressa is telling the truth?
If Freeland is truly sincere about justice prevailing, she ought to wait for a proper Philippine court to rule on who really is telling the truth.
Until then, her government should butt out of Ressa’s case and keep her opinion on how the Philippines’ justice system is handling the matter.