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Caseload
Some of our work so far

The MLDI currently supports several hundred journalists facing trial around the world. Many of these involve partner organisations such as the FXI, or individual lawyers such as Harry Roque. Often journalists approach us directly for assistance.

One recent instance is that of Jean Bosco Gasasira, editor of the Rwandan newspaper Umuvugizi. He reported that one of the country's main genocide prosecutors had bribed other journalists not to publish stories regarding his alleged extramarital affairs. The prosecutor sued for defamation and invasion of privacy, which are criminal matters in Rwanda. Few lawyers were willing to take on such a prominent legal figure, but MLDI eventually found one who was. The case, which continues, has not been easy: the defence team walked out in protest at what it considered to be bias on the judge's part, and the latter recused himself, something unprecedented in the country. The defence team is back but now there is controversy over the prosecutor assigned to the case.

Many of the cases we support are criminal, since libel is a criminal law matter in most countries in which we operate. But civil law cases can be as threatening to defendants because of the high level of damages claimed. The Tesco Lotus litigation is one example. Another is that of Almas Kusherbaev, a Kazakh journalist who is being sued for civil libel in connection with a story he wrote about high food prices. His assertion that much locally grown grain is sold abroad offended a politician and businessman involved in the grain trade, who at first instance obtained a US$20,000 judgment, which was increased to US$250,000 on appeal. The judgment, which was imposed both on him and the newspaper, threatens the latter's closure. The case is currently before the Supreme Court.

We are currently helping journalists in Uganda launch constitutional challenges. Many journalists were beaten up during recent unrest in Kampala, and a number of radio hosts have lost their jobs as a result of government interference. In one challenge in which we are helping, judgment is expected soon.

Finally, we recently asked for permission to intervene in a case before the European Court of Human Rights involving a midnight raid on the publishers of a Dutch magazine. Earlier this year a section of the Court found "no violation of freedom of expression", a decision which we believe sends a dangerous signal to police forces in other countries such as Russia.