2018 Annual Report: Ten Years of Media Defence

Download our 2018 annual report (pdf)

In 2018 Medial Defence turned ten years old. Our 2018 annual report reflects on our growth, achievements and impact over the last ten years, as well as taking an in-depth look at 2018.

We launched in 2008 with three staff, a handful of cases, and a mission to provide emergency legal assistance to journalists. Ten years later we have grown to a team of 11 staff and in 2018 we supported 265 cases around the world. Sadly, the need for our work has become more acute. The past decade has seen a contraction of the space for independent media – a trend which accelerated in 2018.​

Over the last decade we have fought hundreds of legal attempts to silence independent media. We provided legal defence to journalists prosecuted for a wide range of offences including defamation, blasphemy, public order, terrorism-related offences and, more recently, offences created under new cyber-crime legislation. Throughout this time we have maintained a strong case success rate of around 70%.

Our 2018 annual report is launching in conjunction with our ten year microsite, celebrating some of the milestones from our first decade. Read about it. Go to microsite.

Download Media Legal Defence Initiative’s 2018 annual report (pdf)

In 2019 we are rebranding. This annual report has been produced in our new style with our new logo. Our thanks to Atelier Doodle for their pro bono work in developing this new identity with us.

Cover art thanks to Hassan Karimzadehm and Cartooning for Peace.