The phrase "a statement in defense of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express support or justification for a particular idea, action, or individual.
Example: "The author wrote a statement in defense of the controversial policy, arguing that it would benefit the community."
Alternatives: "a defense of" or "an argument in favor of".
Last week, the Icelandic singer Björk released "a statement in defense of Pussy Riot" and dedicated a song to the band during a performance in Finland.
BlackBerry's CEO John Chen was quick yesterday to issue a statement in defense of BlackBerry's position in the market.
Charles Henry writes a statement in defense of a fellow soldier who was severely punished for a "trivial offense". Eunice writes that she has not heard from her family in America in years.
A spokesperson for Mozilla followed suit by releasing a statement in defense of Eich's appointment, saying the company was "deeply committed to honoring diversity in sexual orientation and beliefs within our staff and community".
In response to the controversy, Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy recorded a folksy video statement in defense of the company's culinary donations.
Markey tweeted a statement Monday in defense of Warren just after Trump made his joke.
But he said he interpreted Justice Verniero's recent statement in defense of his conduct to be more than an attempt "to clear the air".
He made the statement in defense of Israel's attack on Gaza, which was launched in the name of protecting itself from Hamas missile attacks.
"These same schools make these high-minded statements in defense of free speech when they are under social media attack by white supremacists," Jackson said.
Throughout the McCarthy years and afterward, Wilder was the subject of attention when he dared to sign anything at all, including statements in defense of other writers' freedom to write.
Trump's "incredible cocoon of privilege and ego... blinds him to the sheer horror of his statements in defense of Mr. Porter," Rather said.
