We strengthen the capacity of lawyers defending journalists by running litigation surgeries and sharing resources that help improve their defence of the media.

Our litigation surgeries provide lawyers with the tools they need to respond to emerging threats against the media and access regional human rights mechanisms. They connect with lawyers operating in the same subregions to form peer learning networks that share their experiences as they continue to litigate cases on behalf of the media. The surgeries are often the starting point of long term collaboration with Media Defence.

Each litigation surgery takes place over three days, and participating lawyers are brought together from different countries in their region. Our aim is to foster and deepen a network of lawyers who are committed to freedom of expression and digital rights.

Open calls for applications will be shared in our news section or via our newsletter.