Filipino journalist Frenchie Cumpio found guilty of terror financing in verdict rights groups call ‘absurd’

Reporters Without Borders said the ruling against the 26-year-old journalist showed a blatant disregard for press freedom' in the Southeast Asian nation

A young Filipino journalist who spent nearly six years in a crowded provincial prison was found guilty of terror financing on Thursday, in a case rights groups and a UN rapporteur labelled a travesty of justice".

Community journalist and radio broadcaster Frenchie Cumpio, 26, and former roommate Marielle Domequil broke down in tears and hugged each other as the guilty verdict was read and they were sentenced to 12-18 years in prison by judge Georgina Uy Perez of the Tacloban regional court.