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Editorial
So who needs another freedom NGO?

Article 19, Reporters Without Borders, Amnesty, Human Rights Watch, Index on Censorship.... there's no shortage of NGOs in the business of defending freedom of expression. So who needs another one?

Well, despite the valiant and vital work done by these front-line bodies, there remains a gap. No other organisation focuses on the three key activities that are the MLDI's raison d'etre - funding the legal defence of journalists and media outlets against oppressive legal action, taking on low-profile cases that escape the headlines, and training lawyers in media law in their own countries.

It is a truism that, outside a handful of countries blessed with robust press freedom, journalists around the world face huge risks. Leaving aside the dangers of war reporting, for many journalists the consequences of what we would regard as simply doing a professional job may be crippling damages for "defamation", long prison terms or broken careers. When challenged in the courts by powerful litigants - not only governments but corporations and wealthy individuals - who have the advantage of laws weighted against the media, the best, and sometimes the only, protection is getting a good lawyer. And fast.

With assistance from a worldwide network of donors and lawyers, the MLDI can respond swiftly to the needs of journalists and media organisations who lack the resources to defend themselves. But it also takes a longer view. It is important not only to "firefight" in individual cases but to help build up local legal expertise and the capacity to stand up to bullies.

Our ability to do all this depends, of course, on the generosity of those willing to give time and money in support of our work. Otherwise we could not exist, so a sincere "thank you" to all those who are doing so.

Every three months we shall be reporting in this review on our activities, telling stories, celebrating triumphs and examining problems. But we also need feedback, so please send comments about what we write to editor@mediadefence.org