From 18th to 20th November 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Media Defence held the Asia Pacific Litigation Surgery, a training that combined expert-led presentations, case analysis, and peer-to-peer learning across a range of critical topics regarding press freedom.
The three-day programme brought together 12 participants, representing 10 countries across the region: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Hong Kong, Myanmar and Nepal.
The Litigation Surgery is part of Media Defence’s ongoing work to strengthen the capacity of lawyers who defend journalists and independent media. Over the course of the programme, participants engaged in a series of in-depth sessions examining some of the most pressing legal challenges facing journalists in the Asia Pacific region today.
Programme Overview
Day 1 – International Standards and Digital Rights
The first day introduced the key principles of international law and freedom of expression, followed by sessions on privacy and data protection, digital rights, cybercrimes, access to the internet, and surveillance. These foundational discussions allowed participants to explore how international norms can be applied to domestic cases.
Day 2 – Safety, National Security and Misinformation
Day two focused on violence against journalists, freedom of expression and national security, defamation, and the growing trend of ‘false news’ laws, misinformation, propaganda and hate speech regulations. Participants examined how such laws are used to suppress reporting and discussed legal strategies to challenge their misuse.
Day 3 – SLAPPs and Access to Justice
The final day centred on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and concluded with a practical session on how to apply for financial support for cases involving threats to media freedom. The programme closed with a final wrap-up and shared reflections from the group.
Building Regional Networks
Litigation Surgeries aim to provide legal training but also foster regional collaboration. Participants shared casework experience, strategies, and emerging legal trends across jurisdictions. The diversity of the cohort – spanning South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia – encouraged comparative discussion and collective problem-solving.
Thank You to All Participants
We extend our sincere thanks to all participants -their engagement, expertise and commitment to defending the rights of journalists are critical to strengthening media freedom across the Asia Pacific region.
Learn more about our Litigation Surgeries & Capacity Building programmes here.
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