Register for our upcoming webinar and learn more about our recent cases.


** June 2022
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** News from the frontline: the fight for press freedom
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Our 2021 Annual Report
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We've launched our 2021 annual report, marking the end of a pivotal year for freedom of expression. In the report, we reflect on the deteriorating global climate for journalists, the tactics used to silence critical reporting around the world, and the impact our support is having.

Many thanks to Zlatkovsky ([link removed]) and Cartooning for Peace ([link removed]) for providing our cover cartoon.
Read our Annual Report ([link removed])
Recent key cases
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Challenging the Catholic Church’s secrecy on sexual abuse in Colombia

We intervened in the case of Juan Pablo Barrientos, whose access to information requests have been blocked by the Catholic Church. Read more here ([link removed]) .

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Clarifying intermediary liability

In Sanchez v France, a French politician was charged with incitement to hatred on religious grounds following comments posted on his Facebook 'wall' by other parties. Read our intervention here ([link removed]) .

Rubens Valente: the risk of reporting on public officials

As part of a coalition of NGOs, we have filed a petition before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on behalf of Brazilian journalist, Rubens Valente. Following the publication of his book investigating state corruption, Valente has faced a lawsuit and was forced to pay moral damages. We are asking the Commission to assess whether the outcome of the case against Valente before Brazil’s Supreme Court violated his rights to freedom of expression and due process. Read more about the case here ([link removed]) .
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Are you a lawyer defending the media, or a journalist facing legal action as a result of your journalistic work?
We are supporting journalists and media workers who, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, have been under constant threat of harassment, attacks and even death.

For those seeking redress for violations of their rights, during conflict or in peace, we can help.
Apply for support ([link removed])
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Apply for our East African litigation surgery!

We're calling for applications from women lawyers based in East Africa to participate in a forthcoming litigation surgery on the right to freedom of expression and digital rights, with particular focus on online violence against journalists. The deadline to apply is 27 June.
Find out more ([link removed])
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Join us!

Are you passionate about freedom of expression, democracy and human rights? We are currently recruiting a Legal Officer. ([link removed]) We are also looking for a Marketing and Communications specialist ([link removed]) to strengthen our Board of Trustees. Click here ([link removed]) to find out more.


** The global threat to journalism...
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Authoritarian regimes around the world are suppressing critical public interest reporting. Coinciding with its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has introduced a drastic series of laws that has led to the complete suppression of independent journalism, with many journalists forced to flee the country in fear for their safety. Furthermore, the Taliban recently ordered all women television presenters in Afghanistan to cover their faces, a rule that violates women’s right to freedom of expression. These examples serve as yet another reminder the critical importance of independent journalism. Please consider supporting our work, and help us to continue defending those who hold power to account.
Donate today ([link removed])

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Copyright © 2021 Media Defence, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Media Defence
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Media Defence has been supporting journalists from legal threats since 2008.
Check out our ** 2021 Annual Report. ([link removed])

Please ** donate to our legal defence fund ([link removed])
to support more journalists.

Registered Name: Media Legal Defence Initiative | Registered Charity 1128789 | Registered Company in England & Wales 6621203

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