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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
Whereabouts of Espacio Público’s Executive Director, Carlos Correa, remain unknown
Leer artículo en español Update: Carlos Correa was released early on the morning of the 16th Jan, following his arrest by hooded officials, on 7 Jan, the organisation announced on X. His detention was among several targeting activists and opposition figures ahead of political protests. According to witnesses, the executive director of Espacio Público, Carlos…
Nika Gvaramia: Developments in Detention and Trial Highlight Serious Rights Violations
On December 4, 2024, at 3:30 PM, opposition leader, Nika Gvaramia was detained under circumstances raising serious concerns about due process and human rights in Georgia. Gvaramia arrived at the office of the opposition party "Coalition for Change" during an ongoing police search and requested to observe the proceedings, a right protected under Georgian law.…
Kyrgyz journalists jailed as crackdown on freedom of expression intensifies
In October 2024, a court in Bishkek convicted two investigative journalists from the Kyrgyz investigative group Temirov Live and its sister project Ait Ait Dese on charges of “creating an organised criminal group” and “calling for mass riots” under Article 278 of Kyrgyzstan’s criminal code[1]. Makhabat Tajibek-kyzy, the head of Temirov Live, was sentenced to…
Kenyan Court Declares Journalist Arshad Sharif’s Killing Unlawful
July 8, 2024- In a critical ruling, the High Court of Kenya at Kajiado, has found the killing of prominent Pakistani journalist, Arshad Sharif, unlawful. The Court also condemned the authorities’ failure to carry out a prompt and independent investigation into the killing. Judge Mutuku stated that the authorities played a "blame game" in the…
The Cost of Exposing Corruption: Mauricio Weibel’s Struggle Against Military Espionage and Disinformation Campaigns
Mauricio Weibel Barahona, is a distinguished Chilean investigative journalist specialising in military corruption and human rights. His in-depth investigations have exposed significant corruption within the Chilean military, leading to both monumental recoveries for the Chilean treasury and severe personal repercussions. His work had significant national impacts, including the recovery of approximately USD 4.5 billion for…
Troll Farms and Threats: One Journalist’s Resilience in the Face of an Online Smear Campaign
Warning: Contains descriptions of gender based violence and harassment. Troll Farms and Threats After posting a Twitter (now X) response that was taken out of context and widely circulated by far-right groups as anti-Hindu, S*, a journalist in India, was suddenly inundated with thousands of violent threats online, targeting her and her family. Different news…