In early 2008 the price of grain in Kazakhstan was rising, and journalist Almas Kusherbaev wrote an article in a local newspaper in which he judged the reason was that producers could get a better return abroad than at home. His argument was supported by data and analysis. The article also mentioned in this connection a company, Agrocentr, which controls a major part of the grain market and which is headed by a senator, Romin Madinov. In August that year Madinov sued Kuzerbaev for libel, demanding damages of 300 million tenge (about US$2.5 million) and was awarded US$250 000. Through the local office of the UNDP, Kusherbaev approached the MLDI, which quickly found a lawyer to represent him. The case is currently before the UN Human Rights Committee.
Recent News
Landmark Ruling: Kenya’s High Court Declares Colonial-era Subversion Laws Unconstitutional
Media Defence welcomes the verdict of the High Court in Nakuru, striking down sections of the Kenyan Penal Code which criminalise subversion, citing them as relics of colonial oppression that curtail freedom of expression. Justice Samwel Mohochi, delivering the judgment, asserted that these provisions were overly broad and vague, stifling dissent rather than serving any […]
UN Rapporteurs Call for Protection of Brazilian Journalist Schirlei Alves
UN Rapporteurs Call for Protection of Brazilian Journalist Schirlei Alves Amid Defamation Charges Stemming from Rape Trial Coverage A letter dispatched by UN rapporteurs to the Brazilian Government calls for protective measures for women journalists covering cases of sexual crimes. The letter also denounces the conviction of Brazilian investigative journalist and women’s rights defender, Schirlei […]
Convite à apresentação de candidaturas: Cirurgia de litígio em português na África Subsariana
Cirurgia de litígio em português na África Subsariana Aplique aqui 23 a 25 de julho de 2024 em Nairobi, Quénia Prazo: 3 de maio A Media Defence está a convidar advogados sediados na África Subsariana que falem português a candidatarem-se a participar numa próxima cirurgia de litígio sobre o direito à liberdade de expressão e […]