Ghanaian Journalist Wins $18 Million in U.S. Libel Case Against Former MP Kennedy Agyapong

Essex County — An Essex County jury has awarded Anas Aremeyaw Anas, a renowned investigative journalist, $18 million in a defamation case against Kennedy Agyapong, a former Member of Parliament for Assin Central in Ghana. This verdict represents a pivotal development in a legal battle that has captured public interest due to its implications on press freedoms and political accountability. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations made by Agyapong in May 2018 during a televised program on Adom TV. Agyapong had accused Anas of engaging in blackmail, corruption, extortion, and evil practices, in an attempt to … Read more

CNN Journalist Stands Firm Amid Legal Battle Over Controversial Afghanistan Coverage

A CNN journalist has become embroiled in a legal battle after standing by a controversial story regarding operations in Afghanistan. The report, which led to accusations of defamation, spotlighted the complex milieu of Afghanistan’s socio-political landscape post U.S. military intervention. The CNN article in question, which narrated the actions and influence of a U.S. military contractor in Afghanistan, drew immediate criticism when parties named in the report claimed that the content was defamatory and insisted on serious reputational damage. The report shed light on the power dynamics and the intricate roles played by various stakeholders … Read more

Pakistani Journalist Arrested During Protest Coverage Released on Bail Amidst Accusations of Government Suppression

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A Pakistani journalist, who was detained under anti-terror legislation while investigating alleged fatalities during protests for the former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was granted bail and released on Saturday. The journalist, Matiullah Jan, a known TV presenter and YouTube journalist, was arrested late Wednesday amid his inquiries at Islamabad’s PIMS Hospital about reported deaths in the protests. According to his lawyer, Imaan Mazari, Jan faced charges of drug possession and the attempted murder of an on-duty policeman while allegedly under the influence. He was taken before a specialist anti-terrorism court in Islamabad … Read more

Enduring Peril: Thai Journalist Prevails in Battle Against Corporate Goliath Over Environmental Reporting

Bangkok, Thailand – Pratch Rujivanarom, a Thai environmental journalist with expertise in the Mekong region, has faced numerous legal challenges during his career, particularly from powerful business entities looking to suppress dissent. His journey through the minefield of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) began as a junior reporter when he was sued for defamation by a Thai mining company operating in Myanmar, following his reporting on the company’s detrimental impact on a local village. This marked the beginning of a prolonged legal struggle that highlighted the broader issue of SLAPPs, not only in Thailand … Read more