Around the world, we see journalists facing judicial harassment on account of their independent reporting.
We provide emergency defence to financially support cases where journalists face costly and complex litigation in an attempt to silence them.
Authorities use multiple lawsuits to threaten critical media reporting and harass prominent media professionals. They also obtain judicial orders to forcibly close critical media and newspaper outlets.
Some journalists have been subjected to travel bans, gag orders, detention and physical abuse. Defamation laws are regularly abused to intimidate the media and stifle legitimate criticism of public figures and institutions. The threat of harsh criminal sanctions, expensive litigation and high civil damage awards exerts a powerful chilling effect on freedom of expression.
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
Seeking Justice for the Death of Cameroonian Journalist Samuel Wazizi
Media Defence has filed a claim against Cameroon at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in the case of Cameroonian journalist,
Thailand’s Ongoing Criminalisation of Investigative Journalist Chutima Sidasathian
This article forms part of our Human Rights Day Series, highlighting three urgent cases we are supporting to underscore the
Human Rights Day 2025: Spotlighting Three Journalists Whose Courage Endures
Each year on the 10th of December, Human Rights Day commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its protection
The Supreme Court Upholds Torture Convictions in the Case of Claudia Julieta Duque
This article was originally published in Spanish by our partner Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP). Read the original
Ariane Lavrilleux: Landmark Judgment for Source Protection to be Appealed by Paris Public Prosecutor
On 9 October 2025, the Paris Criminal Court dismissed the proceedings against French investigative journalist Ariane Lavrilleux in the Egypt
“Our Laws Must Work for All”: Supreme Court Strengthens Nigerians’ Right to Information
Earlier this year, Nigeria’s Supreme Court affirmed that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act applies across all levels of government