Detention of Frenchie Mae Cumpio
Ask your MP to sign Early Day Motion 408 urging the release of the Flipino journalist.
An EDM tabled by Liz Saville Roberts MP and supported by several members of the NUJ Parliamentary Group supports the NUJ and International Federation of Journalists' call on the UK Government to “use every diplomatic effort” to secure the release of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, imprisoned under President Duterte’s regime, following her arrest in 2020.
The NUJ is encouraging members to ask their MP to sign the motion, raising concerns over the basis of Cumpio’s arrest alongside human rights defenders. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has campaigned for the Cumpio to be freed, highlighting her treatment as part of tactics used to target and silence journalists under the former administration. Despite repeated calls for the journalist's release, she remains imprisoned under president Ferdinand Marcos Jr's government.
Last month, following a visit to Cumpio and imprisoned rights defenders, Irene Khan, UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression said:
“As justice delayed is justice denied, I urge relevant authorities to either review the cases and dismiss the charges, or at a minimum expedite the trials with full due process.”
Read the EDM and share it with your MP.
Last month, Len Olea, NUJP general secretary, met with the NUJ and International Federation of Journalists. Read about the threats facing journalists in the Philippines.