Partner impact: IJC’s work in Moldova
MLDI supports the work of 11 partners around the world, helping them to fight 228 cases last year alone. Since 2010, MLDI has funded the Republic of Moldova’s Independent Journalism Center (IJC), which provides free legal advice to media outlets and journalists, and legal representation to around 10 media clients each year. Moldova’s 4 million citizens get the news from a wide range […]
A chance to set a Europe-wide precedent on hyperlinking
A joint team from MLDI and the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union are taking a case to the European Court of Human Rights, whose ruling would set a new precedent on defamation by hyperlinking.
What Happened Next: Zheng Xi Choo, Singapore
“This case will have wider implications on Commonwealth jurisprudence, as more countries enact cyber-stalking and cyber-harassment legislation.”
“Fighting lawsuits is part and parcel of what we have to do – if you want to protect an ideal, there’s a price you have to pay.”
When Lance Polu from www.talamua.com in Samoa faced a defamation claim from a New Zealand lawyer, MLDI helped fund his defence. We talked to Lance to find out more.
What happened next: Bheki Makhubu, Swaziland
“I now find that, having been persecuted, I can write with greater freedom.”
“Really good journalism is about changing what’s wrong with the world.”
In 2015, journalists Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian from the small news website Phuketwan faced the powerful Royal Thai Navy in court – and won. We caught up with them six months on.
What happened next: Reeyot Alemu, Ethiopia
“Knowing there are organisations working for justice gave me a great feeling.” – Six months after her release, we caught up with Reeyot to get her thoughts on freedom and the future for journalism in Ethiopia.
“I will do everything in my power to bring back freedom of expression to my country”
In 2009, Macedonia came 34th in the World Press Freedom Index. In 2015, it was ranked 117th. With the mainstream media controlled by the government and journalists fearful of being sued by politicians, MLDI’s support is more vital than ever. Through our partnership with the Media Development Centre, over the last year we’ve helped leading media lawyer Filip Medarski defend 40 defamation cases. […]
“If they’re going to try to shut us down, we have to fight back”
Latvian journalists Inga Springe and Nellija Locmele are fighting hard to keep media freedom alive in their country. Despite recent successes in court, legal threats remain and MLDI’s support is vital to these media outlets.
MLDI Leads the East African Court of Justice’s First Ever Freedom of Expression Case
“This was a victory for the Burundi Union of Journalists and for all the press in Burundi. The decision was also very important for the whole region”
What happened next: Abel Chapatarongo, Lesotho
“My hope is to see thepost newspaper become an important reference point for Lesotho. We want to build it into a credible newspaper that truly plays its watchdog role, exposing excesses wherever they are found”.
Landmark Victory Paving the Way for Press Freedom
“This decision will have positive implications for all my fellow journalists. It is a victory for the entire profession.”