Case Studies

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“When you’ve got the most powerful man in Malaysia suing you…there’s no need to guess who’s going to win.”

Date: 
8 Jun 2015
Malaysia, Malaysiakini

While most mainstream media in Malaysia is government-controlled, news website Malaysiakini remains a fiercely independent voice for the people.

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Focus On: Kyrgyzstan

Date: 
26 May 2015
Kyrgyzstan, MPI, Implementing Partner

In 2014, the Media Policy Institute in Kyrgyzstan provided legal defence in 24 cases  and delivered over 300 legal consultations to journalists and media outlets. MPI's statement outlines the new developments for Kyrgyz press freedom in 2015.

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Angola: Award-Winning Journalist Faces Trial Over ‘Blood Diamonds’ Investigation

Date: 
23 Apr 2015
Angola, Rafael Marques, criminal defamation

MLDI supports award-winning journalist Rafael Marques who faces trial on multiple charges of criminal defamation for his reporting on corruption and torture in Angola.

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“It has definitely become more popular to sue journalists”

Date: 
20 Apr 2015
Latvia, Linda Birina, IR Magazine

Linda Birina is one of Latvia’s leading media lawyers. We’re proud to be supporting her in her defence of some of the country’s most prominent investigative journalists. Here she describes what appeals to her about media law. 

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“Without MLDI, I would have applied for political asylum”

Date: 
20 Apr 2015
Latvia, Leonids Jakobsons, Criminal case

In Latvia, MLDI supports investigative journalist and whistle-blower Leonids Jakobsons in a criminal trial involving a powerful politician and the right to information. The case will set a precedent. The journalist is potentially facing a sentence of three years and a penalty which would mean personal bankruptcy.

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Latvia case: an encouragement for investigative journalism

Date: 
9 Apr 2015
Latvia, Irina Kostina, Re:Baltica

Irina Kostina is a Senior Associate at LAWIN, the largest legal firm in the Baltics. With funding from MLDI, Irina defended The Baltic Centre for Investigative Journalism when it was sued for defamation in 2012. Here she describes the case and what attracts her to media law.

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“The big guys don’t care about winning – they want to damage the lives of journalists.”

Date: 
27 Mar 2015
Latvia, Re:Baltica, Civil Defamation

Award-winning journalist Inga Springe is the founder of Re:Baltica - The Baltic Centre for Investigative Journalism, based in Riga, Latvia. We worked with Inga when Re:Baltica was sued for defamation in 2012. Here she describes what drives her and how she hopes to bring socially-responsible journalism back to Latvia. 

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Biased rulings in defamation cases

Date: 
28 Jan 2015
Macedonia, MDC

Journalists in Macedonia are getting free legal support thanks to MLDI and our partner, the Media Development Centre. This help is vital in a country where judges are making blatantly biased rulings in defamation cases involving public figures.

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News website sued over prison abuse claims

Date: 
18 Nov 2014
Russia, MMDC, internet freedom

A respected Russian news website dedicated to reporting human rights issues has been sued by the regional Russian Federal Penitentiary Service. With support from MLDI, lawyers with The Mass Media Defence Centre are fighting the case.

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In Rwanda, we helped free two journalists from jail

Date: 
2 Nov 2014
rwanda, Agnès Uwimana, Saidati Mukakibibi, National Security, strategic litigation, criminal defamation

"I’m very happy to have left prison and I’m going to pursue my journalism career. I’m not afraid."

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