In 2008, Media Defence was established to ensure that independent media, journalists and citizen journalists, who are under threat of abusive legal action for their reporting, have access to much-needed legal representation.
Our organisation was created in the context of a sharply deteriorating environment for freedom of expression. A number of countries that had transitioned to democracy at the end of the last century were re-asserting aspects of authoritarian rule. Others introduced disproportionately repressive new laws and regulations under the cloak of the ‘War on Terror’.
Today, freedom of expression is deeply contested around the world. Increasing control of the media sought by governments and other powerful actors has seen a surge in the persecution of independent media, with abusive legal actions, violence and an array of restrictive laws.
Over the next four years, the context in which we operate is forecast to worsen as insecurity and populism spread, while governments copy restrictive and abusive practices from others. More and more journalists often face these threats alone, without the protection of resourced media houses or effective legal representation. That’s why we need to magnify our impact.
Today, we’re launching our new organisational strategy for the next four years. We will increase and deepen the support we offer to our partners, enhancing the availability of quality legal defence for journalists around the world, as well as the coordination of strategic litigation on press freedom and freedom of expression.
Although there are many actors in the field of freedom of expression, Media Defence remains the only organisation to work worldwide on the legal defence of independent media, journalists and citizen journalists under threat.
Later this year we will be rebranding and launching a new website. Our strategy document has been produced in the style of our new visual identity.
To view or download the document, please click here.
Attached Files:
Media Defence Strategy 2020 – 2024
Recent News
World Press Freedom Day Side Event: Profiling and surveillance, a renewed challenge to freedom of expression
From May 2-4 2024, UNESCO and the government of Chile will host the 31st edition of World Press Freedom Day in Santiago. The global commemorative conference commemorates the vital role of journalism and information access in fostering a sustainable future that upholds diversity of voices. Media Defence is organising a side event at the conference […]
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 […]