There are few independent media organisations in Malaysia, so Malaysia Today, an outspoken online reporting outfit with a significant readership, often attracts official criticism. When its editor, Raja Petra, was charged with breaching the country’s Internal Security Act and held in “administrative detention” pending trial, the MLDI went to his help. It arranged through the International Bar Association for his trial to be observed and meanwhile challenged the legality of his detention. Mr Petra was released in November 2008, whereupon the prosecution lodged an appeal, which is pending. The MLDI continues to support him.
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Women journalists who inspire us
Threats and violence against women journalists endanger important democratic values, including freedom of expression and the right to information. Despite significant risks, women continue to investigate abuses of power—and we applaud those who are laying the groundwork for a better future. Whether covering instability wrought by war or how corruption impacts local farmers, every journalist […]
We’re recruiting: Legal Officer
About Media Defence Media Defence is a charity that helps media to defend their rights. We support independent media, journalists and citizen journalists who are under legal threat by making sure that lawyers are available to defend them. We engage in strategic litigation to improve the regulatory environment for media freedom, make grants to organisations […]
Les lois sur les “fake news” sont-elles le meilleur moyen de lutter contre la désinformation?
En décembre 2021, la Grèce a rejoint la liste croissante des pays qui légifèrent contre les “fausses nouvelles” (ou « fake news » en anglais). La modification du code pénal vise à poursuivre les citoyens grecs qui diffusent de fausses informations pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. Tout citoyen diffusant de fausses informations sur la santé publique risque […]