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: Emergency Defence
Chile Jails Judge and General Who Spied on Journalist Mauricio Weibel
The below is a translation of Spanish Press Release written by Mauricio Weibel Barahona. In what press freedom organisations are calling an unprecedented ruling, a court has convicted a judge
Decisión fue adoptada por la justicia chilena
Leer en inglés aquí Por primera vez en la historia del mundo, un tribunal condena a un juez y un general por espiar a un periodista. La sentencia inapelable fue dictada luego de seis años
Rwandan Journalist Aimable Karasira Uzaramba Dies on Day of Scheduled Release from Prison
Media Defence is deeply concerned by the death of Rwandan YouTuber and former university lecturer Aimable Karasira Uzaramba, who died under suspicious circumstances on 7 May 2026 — the day of his scheduled release following a five-year sentence. The Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) stated that Karasira died at