The High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom
@hlpmediafreedom.bsky.social
The Independent Advisory Body to the Media Freedom Coalition
IBAHRI serves as Secretariat
More information: www.ibanet.org/IBAHRIsecretariat
IBAHRI serves as Secretariat
More information: www.ibanet.org/IBAHRIsecretariat
Dario Milo, Member of The High Level Panel, describes how #SLAPPs — Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation — are increasingly used against #journalists and truth-tellers to stifle #freespeech.
Read more about The Panel's work here: www.ibanet.org/IBAHRIsecret...
Read more about The Panel's work here: www.ibanet.org/IBAHRIsecret...
October 23, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Dario Milo, Member of The High Level Panel, describes how #SLAPPs — Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation — are increasingly used against #journalists and truth-tellers to stifle #freespeech.
Read more about The Panel's work here: www.ibanet.org/IBAHRIsecret...
Read more about The Panel's work here: www.ibanet.org/IBAHRIsecret...
Panel Member Catherine Anite describes how The High Level Panel provides pro bono legal advice to governments on questions of media freedom, through her work on the Zimbabwean Media Commission Bill.
www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
September 28, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Panel Member Catherine Anite describes how The High Level Panel provides pro bono legal advice to governments on questions of media freedom, through her work on the Zimbabwean Media Commission Bill.
www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
Yesterday Professor Can Yeginsu and Dario Milo joined scholars, practitioners and civil society representatives to speak at the bonavero.bsky.social conference on ‘Abusive lawsuits and Public Participaction: From SLAPPs to Solutions’ at Mansfield College, Oxford.
September 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Yesterday Professor Can Yeginsu and Dario Milo joined scholars, practitioners and civil society representatives to speak at the bonavero.bsky.social conference on ‘Abusive lawsuits and Public Participaction: From SLAPPs to Solutions’ at Mansfield College, Oxford.
"While spyware is marketed as a tool for defending national security, it is readily exploited to undermine it — enabling transnational repression and foreign interference that weaken the very governments deploying it.” - Deputy Chair Catherine Amirfar www.justsecurity.org/156978/tackl...
Tackling Spyware Abuse: What States Must Do Under International Law to Protect Journalists and Strengthen Security
States should treat spyware governance as a top-tier political priority and work toward a binding, enforceable regulatory framework.
www.justsecurity.org
September 21, 2026 at 10:23 AM
"While spyware is marketed as a tool for defending national security, it is readily exploited to undermine it — enabling transnational repression and foreign interference that weaken the very governments deploying it.” - Deputy Chair Catherine Amirfar www.justsecurity.org/156978/tackl...
"New technologies are increasing the scale and speed of these attacks on women." – Tarja Turtia (UNESCO) at The High Level Panel’s Side Event on Women Journalist and the Rise of Lawfare at the OHCHR’s 63rd Session. #PressFreedom #OHCHR
September 18, 2026 at 11:25 AM
"New technologies are increasing the scale and speed of these attacks on women." – Tarja Turtia (UNESCO) at The High Level Panel’s Side Event on Women Journalist and the Rise of Lawfare at the OHCHR’s 63rd Session. #PressFreedom #OHCHR
Arbitrary detention tactics are used “to shrink a woman to the shape of a prisoner, and make her forget she’s a journalist.”
– Alsu Kurmasheva (Journalist) at The High Level Panel’s Side Event on the rise of lawfare against women journalists, at the OHCHR 63rd Session. #PressFreedom #OHCHR
– Alsu Kurmasheva (Journalist) at The High Level Panel’s Side Event on the rise of lawfare against women journalists, at the OHCHR 63rd Session. #PressFreedom #OHCHR
September 14, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Arbitrary detention tactics are used “to shrink a woman to the shape of a prisoner, and make her forget she’s a journalist.”
– Alsu Kurmasheva (Journalist) at The High Level Panel’s Side Event on the rise of lawfare against women journalists, at the OHCHR 63rd Session. #PressFreedom #OHCHR
– Alsu Kurmasheva (Journalist) at The High Level Panel’s Side Event on the rise of lawfare against women journalists, at the OHCHR 63rd Session. #PressFreedom #OHCHR
"Targeted by Law: Women Journalists and the Rise of Lawfare"
The High Level Panel and @ibahri.bsky.social invite you to a side event at #UNHRC63.
📅11 Sept, 13:00–14:00, Room XI, Palais des Nations, Geneva.
Co-sponsored by @coe.int and @pressfreedom.bsky.social
The High Level Panel and @ibahri.bsky.social invite you to a side event at #UNHRC63.
📅11 Sept, 13:00–14:00, Room XI, Palais des Nations, Geneva.
Co-sponsored by @coe.int and @pressfreedom.bsky.social
August 28, 2026 at 12:58 PM
"Targeted by Law: Women Journalists and the Rise of Lawfare"
The High Level Panel and @ibahri.bsky.social invite you to a side event at #UNHRC63.
📅11 Sept, 13:00–14:00, Room XI, Palais des Nations, Geneva.
Co-sponsored by @coe.int and @pressfreedom.bsky.social
The High Level Panel and @ibahri.bsky.social invite you to a side event at #UNHRC63.
📅11 Sept, 13:00–14:00, Room XI, Palais des Nations, Geneva.
Co-sponsored by @coe.int and @pressfreedom.bsky.social
Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, Chair of the High Level Panel, addresses the critical importance of protecting media freedom.
To find out more about the Panel's work to promote effective investigations into abuses against journalists, read their Advisory Report here: www.ibanet.org/Investigatio...
To find out more about the Panel's work to promote effective investigations into abuses against journalists, read their Advisory Report here: www.ibanet.org/Investigatio...
July 7, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, Chair of the High Level Panel, addresses the critical importance of protecting media freedom.
To find out more about the Panel's work to promote effective investigations into abuses against journalists, read their Advisory Report here: www.ibanet.org/Investigatio...
To find out more about the Panel's work to promote effective investigations into abuses against journalists, read their Advisory Report here: www.ibanet.org/Investigatio...
"We don't need new laws — states know what their obligations are," said Deputy Chair Prof. Can Yeginsu at the Media & Democracy Summit (Meliore Foundation/Project Syndicate).
Watch: events.project-syndicate.org/event/democr...
Watch: events.project-syndicate.org/event/democr...
July 3, 2026 at 11:05 AM
"We don't need new laws — states know what their obligations are," said Deputy Chair Prof. Can Yeginsu at the Media & Democracy Summit (Meliore Foundation/Project Syndicate).
Watch: events.project-syndicate.org/event/democr...
Watch: events.project-syndicate.org/event/democr...
High Level Panel Member David Kaye @davidakaye.bsky.social explains why the Advisory Note on Commercial Spyware Threatening Journalists is essential. Read the Note here: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
#spyware #mediafreedom
#spyware #mediafreedom
June 29, 2026 at 3:41 PM
High Level Panel Member David Kaye @davidakaye.bsky.social explains why the Advisory Note on Commercial Spyware Threatening Journalists is essential. Read the Note here: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
#spyware #mediafreedom
#spyware #mediafreedom
Can Yeğinsu, @canyeginsu.bsky.social, Deputy Chair of the High Level Panel, joins the @projectsyndicate.bsky.social Media & Democracy Summit tomorrow, 2:30 PM CEST — on protecting journalists to report the truth.
Register to watch the livestream here: events.project-syndicate.org/event/democr...
Register to watch the livestream here: events.project-syndicate.org/event/democr...
June 29, 2026 at 11:08 AM
Can Yeğinsu, @canyeginsu.bsky.social, Deputy Chair of the High Level Panel, joins the @projectsyndicate.bsky.social Media & Democracy Summit tomorrow, 2:30 PM CEST — on protecting journalists to report the truth.
Register to watch the livestream here: events.project-syndicate.org/event/democr...
Register to watch the livestream here: events.project-syndicate.org/event/democr...
Panellists @davidakaye.bsky.social, Tarja Turtia, @laurentrichard.bsky.social and @antoinebernard.bsky.social joined Deputy Chair Catherine Amirfar at the launch of a new Advisory Note on Commercial Spyware Threatening Journalists.
Read the Advisory Note here: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
Read the Advisory Note here: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
June 26, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Panellists @davidakaye.bsky.social, Tarja Turtia, @laurentrichard.bsky.social and @antoinebernard.bsky.social joined Deputy Chair Catherine Amirfar at the launch of a new Advisory Note on Commercial Spyware Threatening Journalists.
Read the Advisory Note here: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
Read the Advisory Note here: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
At the launch of our second Advisory Note in Paris, Deputy Chair Catherine Amirfar sets out what the High Level Panel recommends to safeguard against the abuse of commercial spyware. Read the Advisory Note here: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
June 26, 2026 at 11:48 AM
At the launch of our second Advisory Note in Paris, Deputy Chair Catherine Amirfar sets out what the High Level Panel recommends to safeguard against the abuse of commercial spyware. Read the Advisory Note here: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
The High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom held its twentieth meeting at UNESCO HQ in Paris yesterday to advance its continuing work advising countries on protecting journalists worldwide.
June 24, 2026 at 2:37 PM
The High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom held its twentieth meeting at UNESCO HQ in Paris yesterday to advance its continuing work advising countries on protecting journalists worldwide.
📢 Join us in Paris on 23 June for the launch of the HLP's Advisory Note on Combatting the Cyber Targeting and Surveillance of Journalists, with a panel discussion led by Deputy Chair Catherine Amirfar.
📍 Frances-Amériques, Paris | 18:30–19:30 + drinks reception
RSVP: [email protected]
📍 Frances-Amériques, Paris | 18:30–19:30 + drinks reception
RSVP: [email protected]
June 19, 2026 at 11:41 AM
📢 Join us in Paris on 23 June for the launch of the HLP's Advisory Note on Combatting the Cyber Targeting and Surveillance of Journalists, with a panel discussion led by Deputy Chair Catherine Amirfar.
📍 Frances-Amériques, Paris | 18:30–19:30 + drinks reception
RSVP: [email protected]
📍 Frances-Amériques, Paris | 18:30–19:30 + drinks reception
RSVP: [email protected]
This week, Panel Member Catherine Anite joined a policy-lab organised by the MFC and FOC on Preventing Internet Shutdowns to Protect #PressFreedom & #DigitalRights. Catherine highlighted the importance of legal accessibility when addressing internet shutdowns in African countries.
May 8, 2026 at 3:15 PM
This week, Panel Member Catherine Anite joined a policy-lab organised by the MFC and FOC on Preventing Internet Shutdowns to Protect #PressFreedom & #DigitalRights. Catherine highlighted the importance of legal accessibility when addressing internet shutdowns in African countries.
For #WorldPressFreedomDay2026, the Panel issued an Advisory Note on the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflict.
🔗 Read the Advisory Note: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
#MediaFreedom #PressFreedom
🔗 Read the Advisory Note: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
#MediaFreedom #PressFreedom
May 8, 2026 at 1:35 PM
For #WorldPressFreedomDay2026, the Panel issued an Advisory Note on the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflict.
🔗 Read the Advisory Note: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
#MediaFreedom #PressFreedom
🔗 Read the Advisory Note: www.ibanet.org/HRI-Secretar...
#MediaFreedom #PressFreedom
"We want journalists who are having to flee out of necessity to be able to continue their work. But aside from transnational repression and some difficulties of setting up, they also need to be in a country that gives them a chance, regionally, of continuing their work" - @canyeginsu.bsky.social
May 5, 2026 at 10:38 AM
"We want journalists who are having to flee out of necessity to be able to continue their work. But aside from transnational repression and some difficulties of setting up, they also need to be in a country that gives them a chance, regionally, of continuing their work" - @canyeginsu.bsky.social
Watch this live-streamed event with the Panel's Deputy Chair @canyeginsu.bsky.social on the 'Protection of Journalists in Exile: Transnational Repression as Growing Threat to Media Freedom', organised by OHCHR and Estonia for #WorldPressFreedomDay2026: ungeneva-vc.webex.com/ungeneva-vc/...
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May 5, 2026 at 9:17 AM
Watch this live-streamed event with the Panel's Deputy Chair @canyeginsu.bsky.social on the 'Protection of Journalists in Exile: Transnational Repression as Growing Threat to Media Freedom', organised by OHCHR and Estonia for #WorldPressFreedomDay2026: ungeneva-vc.webex.com/ungeneva-vc/...
On 5 May, Prof. @canyeginsu.bsky.social, Deputy Chair of the High Level Panel, will join a panel organised by OHCHR
& Estonia on the 'Protection of Journalists in Exile: Transnational Repression as Growing Threat to Media Freedom' for #WorldPressFreedomDay2026 Register: indico.un.org/event/1023635/
& Estonia on the 'Protection of Journalists in Exile: Transnational Repression as Growing Threat to Media Freedom' for #WorldPressFreedomDay2026 Register: indico.un.org/event/1023635/
May 1, 2026 at 2:41 PM
On 5 May, Prof. @canyeginsu.bsky.social, Deputy Chair of the High Level Panel, will join a panel organised by OHCHR
& Estonia on the 'Protection of Journalists in Exile: Transnational Repression as Growing Threat to Media Freedom' for #WorldPressFreedomDay2026 Register: indico.un.org/event/1023635/
& Estonia on the 'Protection of Journalists in Exile: Transnational Repression as Growing Threat to Media Freedom' for #WorldPressFreedomDay2026 Register: indico.un.org/event/1023635/
On 5 May, Panel Member Catherine Anite will join a discussion for #WorldPressFreedomDay2026 organised by the Media Freedom Coalition and Freedom Online Coalition on ‘Preventing Internet Shutdowns to Protect Press Freedom and Digital Rights’. Register: mediafreedomcoalition.org/event/preven...
Preventing Internet Shutdowns to Protect Press Freedom and Digital Rights - Media Freedom Coalition
Tuesday, 5th May 2026
mediafreedomcoalition.org
May 1, 2026 at 2:19 PM
On 5 May, Panel Member Catherine Anite will join a discussion for #WorldPressFreedomDay2026 organised by the Media Freedom Coalition and Freedom Online Coalition on ‘Preventing Internet Shutdowns to Protect Press Freedom and Digital Rights’. Register: mediafreedomcoalition.org/event/preven...
On 31 March 2026, the Media Freedom Coalition & the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines convened "Parallel Frontlines" — bringing together Filipino photojournalists and Ukrainian experts to examine how frontline reporting preserves truth, supports justice, and contributes to accountability.
April 24, 2026 at 3:58 PM
On 31 March 2026, the Media Freedom Coalition & the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines convened "Parallel Frontlines" — bringing together Filipino photojournalists and Ukrainian experts to examine how frontline reporting preserves truth, supports justice, and contributes to accountability.
High Level Panel Chair Baroness Kennedy and Deputy Chair Can Yeginsu spoke at this year’s #UKMFF2026 on safeguarding press freedom against legal threats. We also heard from experts on navigating AI, defending democracy and creating resilience.
March 10, 2026 at 5:13 PM
High Level Panel Chair Baroness Kennedy and Deputy Chair Can Yeginsu spoke at this year’s #UKMFF2026 on safeguarding press freedom against legal threats. We also heard from experts on navigating AI, defending democracy and creating resilience.
Deputy Chair @canyeginsu.bsky.social spoke at the #UKMFF2026 alongside the Ambassador of Human Rights of Finland Katja Pehrman, @brouilas.bsky.social (@globalfreemedia.bsky.social) and Tarja Turtia (@unesco.bsky.social) on the work of the Panel to counter legal threats to journalists
March 5, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Deputy Chair @canyeginsu.bsky.social spoke at the #UKMFF2026 alongside the Ambassador of Human Rights of Finland Katja Pehrman, @brouilas.bsky.social (@globalfreemedia.bsky.social) and Tarja Turtia (@unesco.bsky.social) on the work of the Panel to counter legal threats to journalists
Reposted by The High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom
Now!!! | #UKMFF2026
Safeguarding Press Freedom Against Legal Threats
Chair: Amy Brouillette
(@globalfreemedia.bsky.social)
Speakers: Tarja Turtia, Can Yeginsu & Ambassador Katja Pehrman
Safeguarding Press Freedom Against Legal Threats
Chair: Amy Brouillette
(@globalfreemedia.bsky.social)
Speakers: Tarja Turtia, Can Yeginsu & Ambassador Katja Pehrman
March 5, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Now!!! | #UKMFF2026
Safeguarding Press Freedom Against Legal Threats
Chair: Amy Brouillette
(@globalfreemedia.bsky.social)
Speakers: Tarja Turtia, Can Yeginsu & Ambassador Katja Pehrman
Safeguarding Press Freedom Against Legal Threats
Chair: Amy Brouillette
(@globalfreemedia.bsky.social)
Speakers: Tarja Turtia, Can Yeginsu & Ambassador Katja Pehrman