Media Defence files submissions at ECtHR in hate speech case against France
Media Defence has filed a third party intervention at the ECtHR in the case of Kabtane v France. The applicant in this case alleges a violation of his article 8 Convention rights because the author of the social media post containing alleged hate speech escaped a criminal conviction. Media Defence’s written comments address concerns about […]
Corte Suprema absuelve acusado de torturar de Claudia Julieta Duque y vacía de contenido los derechos de las víctimas
En una sentencia deficiente en el análisis probatorio y la conceptualización del delito de tortura psicológica, la Corte Suprema de Justicia absolvió a Ronal Harbey Rivera Rodríguez, exdetective del Grupo Especial de Inteligencia 3 (G-3) del DAS, procesado en el caso de la periodista Claudia Julieta Duque. Consideramos que esta decisión no es acorde a […]
UN Working Group finds Viet Nam is Unlawfully Detaining Journalist Nguyễn Lân Thắng
In an Opinion published in late 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) held that the detention of independent journalist Nguyễn Lân Thắng is arbitrary and in contravention of his rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Media Defence represented […]
Albanian Constitutional Court upholds right to confidentiality of sources
Deciding on a constitutional complaint filed by journalist Elton Qyno after authorities had seized his professional and personal devices, the Albanian Constitutional Court has handed down its judgment on 22 April 2025. The ruling upholds freedom of the press and recognises the importance of the right to confidentiality of sources. The Constitutional Court found that […]
The Growing Threat of Lawfare: Defending Journalists and Independent Media
The global use of lawfare—where governments and powerful actors weaponise legal systems to silence journalists—is increasingly on the rise. Combatting lawfare has been central to Media Defence’s mission since our founding in 2008. As a serious threat to journalists and freedom of expression, addressing lawfare continues to be a strategic priority for our work. How […]
Filing Amicus Curiae and other submissions at Domestic Courts: Strengthening Freedom of Expression at the National Level
In 2024, Media Defence filed written submissions in a number of cases before domestic courts across four regions. The role of Media Defence took different forms, including that of third-party intervener, amicus curiae, and expert providing an opinion in international law. The purpose of the submissions is to assist each court in its determination of […]
Colombia’s Constitutional Court overturns the blocking by a government agency against a journalist on X
This article was kindly written for Media Defence by Laura Urrego, Project Coordinator at El Veinte. On 16 August 2023, journalist José Manuel Vega de la Cruz noticed that he had been blocked by the X account (formerly Twitter) of the Governor’s office of Cesar’s region in Colombia. Questioned by the Foundation for Press Freedom […]
Media Defence Files Intervention at European Court in Case of Danileţ v. Romania
The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights is holding a hearing in the case of Danileţ v. Romania on 18 December 2024. The case concerns a disciplinary sanction imposed on a judge by the national judiciary commission in Romania for posting messages on his Facebook account. Read the judgment of the Fourth […]
Media Defence Files ECtHR Case Against Azerbaijan’s Unlawful Detention of Journalist Imran Aliyev Ahead of COP29
Media Defence has filed a case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) against Azerbaijan on behalf of journalist Imran Aliyev, challenging his unlawful detention. As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29, Aliyev’s case underscores the systematic repression of dissenting voices in the country, casting a dark shadow over the upcoming climate summit. Imran Aliyev, […]
Argentina: Recent Decree Threatens Access to Public Information and Undermines Freedom of Expression
Leer en español This article was kindly written for Media Defence by Fundación Transparencia Activa, an Argentine NGO that promotes transparency and access to public information. In September 2024, the government of Argentina, led by President Javier Milei, issued Decree 780/2024, which modifies the regulations of the Law on Access to Public Information. This change […]
Former Colombian Intelligence Director Convicted for Torture of Journalist Claudia Duque
Leer en español On August 24th, José Miguel Narváez was convicted for the aggravated and prolonged psychological torture of journalist Claudia Julieta Duque. Narváez was the Deputy Director of the now disbanded Colombian secret police, the Administrative Department of Security (DAS), who subjected Duque to over two decades of relentless persecution. The verdict delivered by […]
Ex director de inteligencia colombiano condenado por torturar a la periodista Claudia Duque
Read in English El 24 de agosto, José Miguel Narváez fue condenado por tortura psicológica agravada y prolongada de la periodista Claudia Julieta Duque. Narváez llegó a ser subdirector de la ahora disuelta policía secreta colombiana, el Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad (DAS), que sometió a Duque a casi una década de implacable persecución. La sentencia […]