Across the globe, legal frameworks are being misused to silence journalists and stifle critical reporting.
In 2023, we partnered with Columbia University’s Tow Center for Digital Journalism to publish Weaponising the Law: Attacks on Media Freedom, the first comprehensive global report to map the most serious legal threats facing journalists.
We are now undertaking a series of in-depth studies exploring how these global legal threats manifest within specific countries, selected because of their strategic importance, diverse legal frameworks, and vibrant media landscapes that reflect broader regional trends.
Together, these resources form a vital toolkit for understanding and responding to legal threats against journalism, and highlight the urgent need for coordinated action to defend press freedom and the public’s right to information.
Share
Explore the reports
The mission to hold truth to power can be as dangerous as it is critical. In an autocratising world where information has become a valuable – and polarising – currency, the challenges facing journalists are becoming increasingly sinister and complex. These resources are informed and shaped by journalists, editors, and media freedom experts in our network, to ensure they offer frontline perspectives with actionable insights to equip all those fighting for free and independent media.
About our approach
The Weaponisation of the Law report series forms part of our work to bolster the resilience of independent media by raising awareness of evolving threats and empowering key actors to effectively respond to them.
Related services and resources
Legal Service for Independent Media
Legal Network for Journalists at Risk
Formed in partnership with the Committee to Protect Journalists and Media Defence in…
Read more
Before you publish: Global legal pre-publication review guide for journalists
This guide…
Read more
Understanding the laws on journalistic sources in Kenya
This guide provides journalists with a practical…
Read more
Understanding the laws on journalistic sources in South Africa
This guide provides journalists with a…
Read more
Understanding defamation laws in Kenya
This guide provides journalists with a practical understanding of defamation laws…
Read more
Understanding defamation Laws in South Africa
This guide provides journalists with a practical understanding of…
Read more
Before you publish: Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa legal pre-publication review guide for journalists
This guide assists journalists by providing a checklist of factors to consider before…
Read more
