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Dear ,
2025 marked a low point for press freedom worldwide.
According to UNESCO’s newly released World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Report ([link removed].) , freedom of expression has dropped globally by 10% since 2012, an erosion not seen since the world wars and the Cold War era.
UNESCO also found that self-censorship has risen by 63%, as journalists increasingly avoid reporting on corruption, human rights, and environmental harm.
This is the chilling effect of legal harassment, abusive lawsuits, detention and censorship, which continue to be used to silence journalistic scrutiny. The space for free, independent journalism is shrinking in many countries, and the risks faced by journalists are increasing.
Media Defence has continued to do what we exist to do: provide legal defence to journalists, citizen journalists and independent media under threat. In 2025, we’ve taken on hundreds of cases across dozens of countries, helped lawyers challenge unjust laws, and strengthened legal capacity through training, mentoring and shared resources.
Over the past 15 years, we have taken on more than 2,000 cases, and in the last five years alone, demand for our work has more than doubled.
Behind every case is a journalist fighting to report in the public interest.
None of this would be possible without our donors, partners, trustees and the wider community that stands with us.
We are especially grateful to the lawyers and journalists who worked alongside us this year. Your courage and determination are at the heart of what we do.
As we look ahead to the new year, the need for this work remains urgent. Every donation will help us continue supporting journalists at risk in 2026.
There is still so much more to be done - and we are deeply thankful to have you with us as we continue to defend the right to report freely.
With gratitude,
The Media Defence Team
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