Standing Up to Abusive Lawsuits: Legal Support Seminar with Ossigeno per L’Informazione
9 April 2025 | 15:00–18:00 CET | In-person and online | Italian (In person & Online) English (Online) Media Defence’s CEO, Carlos Gaio, will join Italian press freedom partner Ossigeno per L’Informazione in addressing SLAPPs and the urgent need for high quality legal support. On 9 April 2025, we will participate in the seminar “Intimidatory […]
Whereabouts of Espacio Público’s Executive Director, Carlos Correa, remain unknown
Leer artículo en español Update: Carlos Correa was released early on the morning of the 16th Jan, following his arrest by hooded officials, on 7 Jan, the organisation announced on X. His detention was among several targeting activists and opposition figures ahead of political protests. According to witnesses, the executive director of Espacio Público, Carlos […]
Nika Gvaramia: Developments in Detention and Trial Highlight Serious Rights Violations
On December 4, 2024, at 3:30 PM, opposition leader, Nika Gvaramia was detained under circumstances raising serious concerns about due process and human rights in Georgia. Gvaramia arrived at the office of the opposition party “Coalition for Change” during an ongoing police search and requested to observe the proceedings, a right protected under Georgian law. […]
Kyrgyz journalists jailed as crackdown on freedom of expression intensifies
In October 2024, a court in Bishkek convicted two investigative journalists from the Kyrgyz investigative group Temirov Live and its sister project Ait Ait Dese on charges of “creating an organised criminal group” and “calling for mass riots” under Article 278 of Kyrgyzstan’s criminal code[1]. Makhabat Tajibek-kyzy, the head of Temirov Live, was sentenced to […]
Kenyan Court Declares Journalist Arshad Sharif’s Killing Unlawful
July 8, 2024– In a critical ruling, the High Court of Kenya at Kajiado, has found the killing of prominent Pakistani journalist, Arshad Sharif, unlawful. The Court also condemned the authorities’ failure to carry out a prompt and independent investigation into the killing. Judge Mutuku stated that the authorities played a “blame game” in the […]
The Cost of Exposing Corruption: Mauricio Weibel’s Struggle Against Military Espionage and Disinformation Campaigns
Mauricio Weibel Barahona, is a distinguished Chilean investigative journalist specialising in military corruption and human rights. His in-depth investigations have exposed significant corruption within the Chilean military, leading to both monumental recoveries for the Chilean treasury and severe personal repercussions. His work had significant national impacts, including the recovery of approximately USD 4.5 billion for […]
Troll Farms and Threats: One Journalist’s Resilience in the Face of an Online Smear Campaign
Warning: Contains descriptions of gender based violence and harassment. Troll Farms and Threats After posting a Twitter (now X) response that was taken out of context and widely circulated by far-right groups as anti-Hindu, S*, a journalist in India, was suddenly inundated with thousands of violent threats online, targeting her and her family. Different news […]
Chutima Sidasathian: Unveiling Corruption in Thailand
Thai reporter, Chutima Sidasathian, has dedicated herself to reporting on corruption and the plights of rural communities and refugees. This dedication comes despite repeated attempts to silence her through intimidation and legal attacks. In a recent interview with Media Defence, Sidasathian reflects on the dangers of reporting on these critical issues and the challenges posed […]
Mamunur Rashid Nomani charged with violating Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act
Journalist Mamunur Rashid Nomani, editor of the local online news portal Barishal Khobor, has been charged with violating Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act (DSA), following an accusation claiming that he secretly filmed the mayor of Barisal and his family. Nomani rejects this, alleging instead that he and two of his acquaintances – Kamrul Mridha, working for […]
Women’s History Month: 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 […]
The “Misuse” of the judicial system to attack freedom of expression
UNESCO has released a new report on “The “misuse” of the judicial system to attack freedom of expression”. The report takes an in-depth look at the patterns and challenges surrounding the rise of abusive litigation, and makes a number of recommendations. To mark its release, we explore our own experience tackling legal threats to freedom […]
Paola Ugaz and the judicial harassment of journalists in Peru
Paola Ugaz is an award-winning Peruvian investigative journalist. In 2015, she co-authored – with Pedro Salinas – a book entitled Mitad Monjes, Mitad Soldados (Half-Monks, Half Soldiers). The book uncovers an alleged pattern of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse within the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a Peruvian Catholic organisation. Paola Ugaz has since faced numerous lawsuits […]