Foot Anstey Supports Commonwealth Freedom Of The Press
Leading South West legal firm Foot Anstey has become the only UK legal practice based outside London to be appointed to the Commonwealth Press Union’s new legal support programme for journalists and newspapers in developing countries of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Press Union has around 750 members in 49 countries, representing ownership of more than 1,500 newspapers and press agencies. Freedom of the press in many developing Commonwealth countries can often involve post publication issues such as defamation, sedition or individual human rights cases.
“This is a very important area of concern,” said Tony Jaffa, head of Foot Anstey’s specialist media law team.
“There is a significant lack of experienced legal advice for publishers and journalists in some parts of the Commonwealth. I am delighted that our team of specialists is able to play a part in developing democracy and freedom of expression in countries which take their legal lead from the UK.
“It’s a great credit to the CPU to undertake this initiative and we are delighted to join the three other specialist firms of solicitors in London who have also been appointed to the panel.”
In 2001, Foot Anstey’s Media Team represented the Gleaner, Jamaica’s leading newspaper, in an appeal to the Privy Council, which resulted in an important change to the law of libel. The Media Team’s expertise and experience of such important cases will be highly relevant as demand for the CPU’s support programme is taken up.
Published 27/09/2006
