THE CNMI Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists supports the recent statement by Marianas Variety defending its news staff writer Bryan Manabat’s reporting amid allegations of defamation.
As Marianas Variety reviews the allegations in detail, CNMI SPJ echoes the newspaper president and publisher Amier C. Younis’ statement to uphold the principles of a free and independent press.
In any circumstance, journalists who report truthfully and abide by the SPJ code of ethics ought to be able to do their job without intimidation or fear of retribution.
We respect the legal process as it is also part of the Society of Professional Journalists’ national mission to defend journalists and protect the First Amendment.


