The Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI) is calling for applications from lawyers based in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Further,  to participate in forthcoming litigation surgery and training on the right to freedom of expression online. Additionally, digital rights and the internet. Successful applicants will attend litigation surgery and become members of digital rights. Additionally,  legal network through which there will be opportunities for engagement both regionally and internationally.

Moreover, MLDI provides legal support to journalists, bloggers, and independent media. Further, In recent years it has supported a significant number of cases involving online media. Additionally, These have included challenging social media blocking and internet shutdowns, contesting cybercrimes legislation, ‘false news’ regulations and intermediary liability, as well as advancing greater protection of sources and privacy online.

The objectives of the litigation surgery are:

To equip participants with skills, knowledge, and training to litigate using national and international laws as well as regional and international mechanisms relevant to freedom of expression online;
To build a digital rights network and help facilitate its engagement with international legal mechanisms and global civil society initiatives; and
To assist and develop working relationships amongst lawyers undertaking such cases.

Benefit

• MLDI will cover airfare, accommodation, travel expenses and a per diem.

Eligibility

• The surgery is open to lawyers who work and reside in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
• Exceptionally strong applications will be considered as well from lawyers who have not yet undertaken freedom of expression work.
• Applicants must be proficient in English;
• The lawyers must have a demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of the right to online freedom of expression, digital rights, internet freedom and/or related issues;
• The lawyers must have a demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of international and regional human rights law;
• With their application, applicants are requested to submit a case study of a case. Especially, that they are litigating or intend to litigate and that could be discussed during the litigation surgery.
• As set out above, it will suffice for participants who do not have a case that is pending to have identified a relevant law, practice or policy relating to online freedom of expression that they would like to challenge in court. However, such participants must demonstrate their ability and willingness to pursue the case after the surgery;
• The cases submitted must involve a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression online.