Manila — The head of a Philippine news website known for its tough scrutiny of President Rodrigo Duterte was convicted of libel on Monday and faces a lengthy jail term in what is being seen as a blow to media freedom in the country.

Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler (www.rappler.com) and a former CNN journalist, was charged with “cyber libel” over a 2012 article that linked a businessman to illegal activities...

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