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.
Recent News
Defending the Truth in Courts: Media Defence and OHCHR Collaborate to Strengthen Defence of Press Freedom in Latin America
Earlier this year, Media Defence and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) convened a three-day Litigation Surgery in Costa Rica, bringing together 19 lawyers from 12 Latin American countries to strengthen legal strategies for defending journalists facing lawsuits, criminalisation, harassment and violence, both online and offline. Since Media Defence began organising Litigation Surgeries in 2015, […]
Media Defence Concludes Asia Pacific Litigation Surgery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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, […]
Building Solidarity Across Borders: Women Lawyers Connect Through Media Defence’s Peer Mentorship Programme
Media Defence’s Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Programme brings together lawyers from around the world to strengthen their skills, confidence, and professional networks. Its most recent cohort marked a significant milestone: the programme’s first women-focused edition. Over fourteen months, 22 women lawyers working on freedom of expression issues met across languages, regions, and career stages, forming a supportive […]