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Combating Impunity for Online Violence
Online attacks against journalists are increasing exponentially. We can help journalists seek redress for violations of their rights.
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are a form of legal harassment designed to intimidate journalists and silence critical reporting. We help journalists resist these abusive tactics.
Environmental Journalism
Reporting on the environment has become one of the most dangerous jobs in journalism. We support journalists reporting on what us widely regarded as one of the most urgent challenges of our time.
Journalists in Distress Network
The rapid decline of press freedom needs a global and coordinated response. This is why we work with partners around the world to fight back. Media Defence is a member of the Journalists in Distress (JID) Network, a group of 22 international organisations that provide direct assistance to journalists and media workers whose lives or careers are threatened because of their work. Each organisation has its own mandate and criteria for emergency assistance. The JID Network allows member organisations to more easily share information, coordinate joint efforts, and avoid duplication.
Members
Article 19 | Canadian Journalists for Free Expression | Committee to Protect Journalists | Defend Defenders | English Pen | European Centre for Press and Media Freedom | EMHRF | Free Press Unlimited | Freedom House | Front Line Defenders | International Cities of Refuge Network | International Media Support | International Women’s Media Foundation | International Research & Exchanges Board | Internews | Marie Colvin Journalists’ Network | Media Defence | Pen America | Pen International | Rory Peck Trust | Reporters Without Borders | SKeyes |
Legal Network for Journalists at Risk
In 2022, we set up the Legal Network for Journalists at Risk (LNJAR) in partnership with the Committee to Protect Journalists the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The network will strategically pool the resources of our organisations, all of whom support journalists or media outlets facing legal threats in various ways. By forming a central mechanism to coordinate support, we can ensure that these organisations make the best possible use of limited resources, and avoid duplication in high profile cases.
Emergency Defence News
Mamunur Rashid Nomani charged with violating Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act
Journalist Mamunur Rashid Nomani, editor of the local online news portal Barishal Khobor, has been charged with violating Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act (DSA), following an accusation claiming that he secretly filmed the mayor of Barisal and his family. Nomani rejects this, alleging instead that he and two of his acquaintances – Kamrul Mridha, working for…
Women’s History Month: Journalists who inspire us
Threats and violence against women journalists endanger important democratic values, including freedom of expression and the right to information. Despite significant risks, women continue to investigate abuses of power—and we applaud those who are laying the groundwork for a better future. Whether covering instability wrought by war or how corruption impacts local farmers, every journalist…
The “Misuse” of the judicial system to attack freedom of expression
UNESCO has released a new report on “The “misuse” of the judicial system to attack freedom of expression”. The report takes an in-depth look at the patterns and challenges surrounding the rise of abusive litigation, and makes a number of recommendations. To mark its release, we explore our own experience tackling legal threats to freedom…
Paola Ugaz and the judicial harassment of journalists in Peru
Paola Ugaz is an award-winning Peruvian investigative journalist. In 2015, she co-authored – with Pedro Salinas – a book entitled Mitad Monjes, Mitad Soldados (Half-Monks, Half Soldiers). The book uncovers an alleged pattern of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse within the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a Peruvian Catholic organisation. Paola Ugaz has since faced numerous lawsuits…
Interview with Brazilian journalist & LGBTQ+ activist Jean Wyllys
Jean Wyllys is a Brazilian journalist who writes for Counter Punch, amongst other prominent newspapers and magazines. He is also a researcher at Open Society Foundations and an LGBTQ+ activist. His research focuses on disinformation and the rise of authoritarian governments. Wyllys was forced into exile after receiving homophobic hate speech and death threats whilst…
Entrevista com o jornalista brasileiro e ativista LGBTQ+ Jean Wyllys
Jean Wyllys é um jornalista brasileiro que escreve para Counter Punch, entre outros jornais e revistas de destaque. É também investigador na Open Society Foundations e ativista LGBTQ+. A sua pesquisa se concentra na desinformação e ascensão de governos autoritários. Wyllys foi forçado ao exílio após receber mensagens com discurso de ódio homofóbico e ameaças…
