Filipino journalist Frenchie Cumpio found guilty of terror financing

Frenchie Cumpio was convicted of terror financing and sentenced to 12–18 years; her lawyers say they will file an appeal and have a pending bail application.

Frenchie Cumpio, a 26-year-old community journalist and radio broadcaster, was found guilty of terror financing by a Tacloban regional court and sentenced to 12–18 years in prison. She and a former roommate, Marielle Domequil, were acquitted on a weapons charge. The case has drawn attention from international rights groups and a UN special rapporteur who described the charges as possibly retaliatory. Key facts: - Cumpio and Domequil were arrested in February 2020 on weapons-related allegations; a terror financing charge was added more than a year later. - The court convicted Cumpio of terror financing and sentenced her to 12–18 years while acquitting both on a lesser weapons charge. - Her lawyers stated they will file an appeal and have a pending application for bail. - Rights groups, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, and a UN special rapporteur have criticised the case and raised concerns about press freedom. Summary: The verdict leaves Cumpio facing a lengthy prison term while her legal team says it will pursue an appeal and a pending bail application. Rights groups and a UN rapporteur have publicly criticised the handling of the case and highlighted concerns for media freedom.