Thomson Reuters Foundation’s Post

Defamation laws are being misused to censor journalists and shield the powerful from criticism. ✍️ Our network with Media Defence and the Committee to Protect Journalists – the Legal Network for Journalists at Risk – provides ongoing legal support to journalists and independent media outlets at risk. Together, we've created a suite of guides to give reporters across four countries a practical understanding of these local laws. Critically, they map out the steps journalists can take to prevent defamation cases, and available defences if a claim is filed against them. ⤵️ https://bit.ly/3NrKcoc

Recent article by Shota Kincha is a great description of the troubling trend of abusive private lawsuits (SLAPPs) in Georgia. These lawsuits aim to silence critical voices, crack down on journalist investigations and restrict free speech. I’m thankful for the opportunity to contribute to this article to highlight the importance of defending press freedoms, especially amidst democratic backslide and risinf Russian influence in Georgia. For a deeper look into this issue and its implications, check out the full article: #PressFreedom #HumanRights #Georgia

The nefarious use of defamation laws is on the rise, seeking to intimidate and silence journalists in their truth-telling. 🔴 In collaboration with global partners and law firms, we've created set of new guides for reporters in 8 countries to grow their local knowledge of these laws. Vitally, they contain practical steps on how journalists can prevent defamation cases being filed against them, and protect their work and journalistic sources. ➡️ https://tmsnrt.rs/3T9Yy0p

Excellent piece on the importance of reform of the defamation laws and why juries should be abolished, by Minister for State at Department of Justice James Browne TD, writing in Irish Independent: "There is clear evidence that jury awards are too often unpredictable and have resulted in disproportionate sums being awarded to complainants. Payments into the millions of euro have been awarded in damages by juries against media outlets; these payments are enough to cripple a newspaper. I firmly believe that, faced with a pandemic of disinformation, legislators must do what we can to support independent media and to ensure that our newspapers are protected from strategic defamation cases taken to shut them down." My thanks to Minister Browne for his work on progressing the Bill and his commitment to reform of the defamation laws. It is vital that this important Bill is enacted before the election. #defamation #reform #journalismmatters NewsBrands Ireland Lisa Buckley https://lnkd.in/eDk32KfB

🔍 Preliminary Findings on Legal Threats Against Lawyers Defending Journalists. As “lawfare” tactics against journalists intensify, the lawyers defending them are increasingly at risk. From intimidation to politically motivated charges, these defenders of media freedom are being targeted. Despite their vital role in safeguarding press freedom, the persecution of these lawyers has often been overlooked. The American Bar Association’s Center for Human Rights, Media Defence, and the Thomson Reuters Foundation have collaborated to examine harassment and persecution cases against lawyers representing journalists. This preliminary report highlights emerging trends and the urgent need for enhanced protections. 🔗 Read the full findings here: https://lnkd.in/eaRpq5dh

Supreme Court sets aside order directing Bloomberg to remove article on Zee Reported by Deeksha Dabas Read More Here- https://lnkd.in/gWvgqxPz #SupremeCourt #Bloomberg #ChiefJusticeDrDYChandrachud #righttoknow #JusticeJBPardiwala #righttospeech #JusticeManojMisra #ZeeEntertainment #scconline #SCC #legalnews #scconlineblog #legalknowledge #legalblog #legalupdates #lawstudent #legalresearch #legalstudies #surestwaytolegalresearch #bringingyouthebestlegalnews

Ireland is an outlier in terms of #defamation laws in the EU. Our outdated, unbalanced and dangerous legislation puts the Free Press at serious risk. Quality fact checked #journalism, from trusted and verified news sources, plays a hugely important public service in functioning democracy. Today, on #worldpressfreedomday, please share and support NewsBrands Ireland and Local Ireland campaign to reform Irish Defamation law ! #news #media #journalismmatters #publishing #changetheact #WPFD24

The long-awaited decision to protect media freedom - at the end of February, the European Parliament adopted the so-called Anti-SLAPP Directive. The directive is designed to protect journalists and human rights defenders from abusive legal processes aimed at supressising freedom of expression. This directive will protect not only journalists, but also other activists, publicists, human rights defenders from unjustified and expensive lawsuits or abusive court processes. The directive will establish procedural measures to protect against such cross-border claims in civil cases. Individuals who are the subject of SLAPP cases will be able to take advantage of a variety of procedural guarantees and protections. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d6ZAHRzq

The nefarious use of defamation laws is on the rise, seeking to intimidate and silence journalists in their truth-telling. 🔴 In collaboration with global partners and law firms, we've created set of new guides for reporters in 8 countries to grow their local knowledge of these laws. Vitally, they contain practical steps on how journalists can prevent defamation cases being filed against them, and protect their work and journalistic sources. ➡️ https://tmsnrt.rs/3T9Yy0p

Is Julian Assange a political prisoner? If you're interested in democracy then you might be interested in the Julian Assange case and you might spare some time to follow the proceedings on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. This article by Chris Hedges, one of the few journalists still talking about Truth to Power, explains a few things you might not be aware of if you only hear about Julian's plight through the main news channels. #justiceforall