Criminal defamation charges against Australian writer and journalist Murray Hunter have been settled without penalty or cost.
On 17 November 2025, Hunter was indicted in Thailand after Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission brought defamation charges against him under Thailand’s Criminal Code. In January, Hunter issued an apology to the MCMC, as well as a full retraction, regarding articles that were self-published on Substack.
Exploitation of civil and criminal defamation laws is a common tool used by governments seeking to quell dissent and restrict free expression. Hunter’s case illustrates the danger of transnational SLAPP legislation.
Although the settlement is welcome, PEN has always opposed criminal defamation laws and calls for their repeal.
Dominic Anderton