Supporting Journalists Facing Threats
Pro Publico matched Free Press Unlimited (FPU) with Hogan Lovells, supported by The Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, to defend press freedom in Colombia through a high-profile case.
The case focused on journalist Claudia Duque, who was tortured by Colombia’s former Deputy Director of the secret police, José Miguel Narváez. Narváez is appealing his conviction, and the outcome has major implications for the protection of journalists.
Why Free Press Unlimited?
FPU is a global organisation that works to ensure access to reliable information everywhere. It supports independent journalism, protects journalists under threat, and strengthens media resilience in restrictive environments.
In this case, FPU sought to highlight the link between Duque’s journalistic work and the attacks against her. They were concerned that Colombian courts had downplayed her main activity as a journalist, focusing instead on her association with a human rights organisation.
Why Pro Bono Support Was Needed
FPU required expert assistance to draft an amicus curiae brief before the Colombian Criminal Court of Appeal to rely on international standards and case law demonstrating that Duque’s journalism was the motive for her persecution. This work demanded deep expertise in international human rights law and freedom of expression, for which FPU sought the help of the legal pro bono community.
Hogan Lovells & The Vance Center
Hogan Lovells, renowned for its international pro bono work, coordinated a team of lawyers led by Jorge Valdés King, partner at Hogan Lovells Mexico and coordinated by Lila Gasca. The team of lawyers included Juan Arturo Dueñas, Orlanda Cabrera, and Andrea Pérez, as well as lawyers from other offices: Emma Ekon, Gemma Martínez, Amrita Deshmukh, Marion Fisher, Claire Dumbill, Aida Rodríguez, Beatriz León Xian, and Beatriz Martínez. The effort was further strengthened by the collaboration of the Vance Center where specialized human rights lawyers contributed to the case under the coordination of Associate Executive Director Jaime Chávez-Alor and Milena Klimberg van Marrewijk.
Together, they delivered a first-class legal brief, according to Marco Meo of FPU: “The collaboration exceeded our expectations. Hogan Lovells engaged with us with professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail.”
The Impact of the Amicus Brief
In the words of Milena Klimberg van Marrewijk: “This brief proves how strategic pro bono can forge powerful links between global human rights law and local justice. Defending journalists’ independence and due process are urgent acts to protect democracy and the rule of law.” The amicus curiae strengthens FPU’s position in court and supports the Attorney General’s Office in upholding Narváez’s conviction. FPU now awaits the judgment, confident that the international dimension of press freedom has been properly presented. As Marco Meo explained: “The brief represents a major contribution to the case. Without this support, we could not have achieved this level of legal quality and depth.”
The Role of Pro Publico
We were glad to connect FPU with exactly the expertise it needed at the right time. This collaboration illustrates how pro bono partnerships can make a real difference in defending press freedom. “Pro Publico’s support and Hogan Lovells’ dedication were invaluable – together they delivered a first-class legal brief that exceeded our expectations.” – Marco Meo, Free Press Unlimited
This case shows how pro bono legal support can strengthen the defence of press freedom worldwide. By connecting civil society with leading law firms, Pro Publico ensures access to high-quality expertise that might otherwise be out of reach.
👉 If your organisation needs similar support, submit your case to Pro Publico or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
👉 Submit your case via our intake form
📬 Subscribe to our newsletter
🔍 Explore more impact stories
Thanks to @JorgeValdésKing, @LilaGasca @YasminWaljee, @LeanneLucas, @JuanArturoDueñas, @OrlandaCabrera, @Andrea Pérez, @EmmaEkon, @GemmaMartínez, @AmritaDeshmukh, @MarionFisher, @Claire
Dumbill, @AidaRodríguez, @BeatrizLeónXian, @Beatriz Martínez, @HoganLovells, @JaimeChávez-Alor, @MilenaKlimberg, @VanceCenter, @MarcoMeo, @FreePressUnlimited, @FrancescoZatelli, @ProPublico
#ProBono #DefendingPressFreedom #FreePress #HumanRightsLaw #AccessToJustice #JournalistSafety