Italy. Ossigeno Free Legal aid continues for journalists, bloggers, and rights defenders

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In cooperation with Media Defence served over one hundred clients since 2015 and achieved a 95% success rate

OSSIGENO, February 20, 2026 – The Legal Aid Desk of Ossigeno per l’Informazione will continue to operate in 2026. This service offers free legal assistance to journalists, bloggers, and rights defenders facing vexatious frivolous lawsuits, frivolous legal actions, or other forms of legal pressure related to the exercise of the right to information.

The Help Desk, coordinated by attorney Andrea Di Pietro, will therefore continue to be a point of reference for those engaged in information activities who face often unsustainable legal expenses costs to defend their right to publish and criticise. The service operates with a solidarity-based approach, offering not only coverage of legal expenses in cases deemed deserving worthy, but also free consultations and opinions for those exposed to at legal risk.

Tangible Concrete support against frivolous lawsuits

The continuation of its activities in 2026 confirms Ossigeno‘s decade-long commitment to combating intimidating lawsuits and abuse of legal procedures complaints that risk deterring independent reporting. The Help Desk evaluates requests for assistance based on the severity of the case, the financial and working conditions of the individual person being assisted, and the strategic value of the case in the fight against SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation).

Over the years, the Help Desk has supported over 100 journalists and media workers involved in criminal and civil proceedings with a 95% success rate, helping to consolidate a material concrete protection network for those reporting on matters of public interest in often difficult contexts.

A project supported by international collaborations

Legal assistance services continues to be made possible thanks to the support of Media Defence, an international non-governmental organisation that supports reporters and the media in protecting press freedom worldwide. Ossigeno’s legal aid The fund remains open to contributions from other organisations and professional associations, strengthening a collaborative model that has expanded access to free legal defence over the years.

How to access legal aid protection

Journalists, bloggers, and rights defenders who believe they need assistance can submit a request by writing to Ossigeno’s Legal Aid Help Desk: sportellolegaleossigeno@gmail.com. Each request is examined individually, taking into account both the individual’s situation and the general interest in protecting freedom of information.

Provided mMembers thus assisted also commit to sharing and promoting Ossigeno‘s activities in support of free information and the journalism profession, helping to raise awareness of the legal risks that still impinge upon affect the sector today.

A commitment that looks to the future

The confirmation of continued legal assistance protection for 2026 represents an important signal for the Italian media world. I: in a context where legal actions against journalists continue to represent a concrete obstacle to pluralism and press freedom, the presence of a permanent support centre like Ossigeno’s Legal Aid Desk offers professional support and encourages those who report on matters of public interest to continue their work. ADP wt

How the Help Desk works

Read here news about the Help Desk’s cases