Defending the defenders: upholding justice in the face of lawfare

Around the world, the law is increasingly being weaponised to silence independent reporting and to compromise journalists’ freedom, wellbeing, and financial security. As ‘lawfare’ escalates in intensity and complexity, lawyers play a critical role in safeguarding free and independent media. As a result, they are increasingly becoming the targets of a wide range of attacks that seek to undermine their efforts in defending journalists’ mission to hold truth to power.

From phone hacking to harassment to death threats, legal professionals are taking significant risks to defend our democratic values. But when the origins of these attacks are powerful and malign actors, what practical risks do lawyers face? What protection is available to them? And what are the consequences if these threats remain unchecked?

Organised in association with Committee to Protect Journalists and Thomson Reuters Foundation.