A New Chapter for Press Freedom in France
Through a 50/50 partnership, FPL and Media Defence will finance the legal defence of independent media outlets targeted by clearly abusive or unfounded judicial or administrative proceedings.
“Press freedom is in decline in France, and so-called ‘SLAPPs’ are one of the main causes,” explains Dorothée Archambault, Director of Development and Programmes at Media Defence.
“With the Ripostes fund, our aim is to support proactive legal defences against increasingly aggressive political and economic actors” adds François Bonnet, President of the FPL.
What Ripostes Will Offer
To achieve its mission, the Ripostes fund will provide three main types of support to independent media and journalists in France:
Legal defence funding – Full or partial coverage of legal fees in cases linked to investigations or reporting.
Access to legal expertise – Connecting journalists and outlets with specialised lawyers and experts to strengthen their defence.
Legal empowerment – Producing and sharing practical legal tools and trainings to better protect independent journalism.
Support Ripostes
Behind every attack on an independent media outlet lies an attack on the public’s right to know. Help us fund the fight back.
➡️ Donate to FPL’s fundraising campaign here.
➡️ Donate to Media Defemce’s ongoing work here.
Your support helps ensure that journalists and independent media can continue their vital work — free from intimidation, legal harassment, and censorship.
How to Apply
Read more about the partnership and apply to get help here:
