When journalism is silenced, power goes unchecked — and people suffer, especially those already marginalised. That’s why Media Defence exists: to protect journalists facing legal threats, so they can keep reporting the truth without fear of retaliation.

Since 2008, we’ve supported over 2,000 journalists and independent outlets around the world. But the legal landscape has grown darker. In 2024, we took on a record 228 new cases — double the number from just four years ago.

These aren’t just numbers — they represent lives upended and, in many cases, careers derailed. It’s a profound loss not only for the journalists we support, but for all of us, as each silenced voice leaves the public less informed.

The good news? High-quality, accessible legal support changes outcomes — and keeps the truth in circulation. Last year, we saw how our support protected journalists’ voices and pushed back against efforts to silence them.

Explore our 2024 Annual Report to see how we’re  empowering journalists to report with greater confidence, knowing they have a legal lifeline.

We step in when it matters most — providing urgent support to journalists facing legal threats designed to silence them.

In 2024, our Emergency Defence Programme responded to 150 new cases and supported a total of 392 ongoing emergency cases. Through rapid-response grants and pro bono legal assistance, we help journalists stand their ground, defend their rights, and keep telling the stories that matter.

We’ve seen firsthand how this support makes a difference — in the stories of journalists like Chutima Sidasathian in Thailand, acquitted in 2024 after years of legal harassment for exposing corruption. And Claudia Julieta Duque in Colombia, who secured a landmark conviction in her long-running case of psychological torture by state intelligence agents.

Read more about their cases — and others we’ve supported:

Beyond individual cases, strategic litigation continues to be a powerful tool: it strengthens international standards on freedom of expression and directly challenges laws that are making the day-to-day environment for journalists more hostile.

In 2024, we took on 78 new strategic cases and worked on 324 ongoing cases, tackling a wide range of urgent press freedom threats — from social media and website blockings to internet shutdowns, abusive spyware, arbitrary detention, and violence against journalists.

Read more about our strategic litigation work.

We couldn’t do what we do without the courageous lawyers who take on cases in some of the world’s most precarious environments. With their expertise and our support, they’re able to respond quickly and effectively when journalists are under threat.

In 2024, we continued to strengthen this global network through litigation surgeries, knowledge-sharing sessions, and peer-to-peer mentoring. We hosted five litigation surgeries - including our first in the MENA region and our first in Portuguese for Lusophone Africa.

In total, 133 lawyers took part, helping grow a network that now includes over 400 lawyers dedicated to defending press freedom worldwide.

Read more about how we’re strengthening legal capacity here:

Since 2009, we’ve supported national media defence centres around the world — because strong partnerships are essential to protecting press freedom where it’s most at risk.

In 2024, we awarded over £500,000 in grants to 19 partner organisations across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the MENA region. With our support, they litigated 408 cases on a wide range of freedom of expression issues.

Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we’re able to support journalists in places we couldn’t reach alone.

Read more about our global partnerships here: 

Help us Defend Press Freedom

In a world increasingly shaped by disinformation and fear, journalists need allies. Media Defence will always be one of them – but we need back up.

In a year where journalism is under attack and funding for press freedom is shrinking, our work is more urgent than ever. These cuts aren’t abstract. They directly threaten our ability to defend journalists like Claudia Julieta Duque and Chutima Sidasathian.

Your support will help us defend them in courtrooms around the world — so they can keep reporting the truth the rest of us rely on. We are stronger together.