Committee to Project Journalists (CPJ) welcomed the European Commission’s “decisive” move to pass an initiative addressing the abuse of SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation). CPJ has long advocated for the EU to address SLAPPs, which are abusive lawsuits filed by powerful officials, businesspeople, or corporations against individuals, including critical journalists or news outlets, to restrict or censor critical reporting.
As World Press Freedom Day nears on May 3, CPJ renews its call for the protection of journalists in Ukraine. Journalists and media workers are civilians under international humanitarian law, and should never be targeted during wartime. Join us in calling for protection of journalists covering the war using the hashtag #NotATarget.
On Wednesday, April 27, the European Commission put forward a Directive requiring member states to make necessary legal reforms to prevent cross-border SLAPPs, including early dismissal of cases and compensation for damages. On the same day, a Recommendation was also proposed to Member States which, although not legally binding, encourages authorities to tackle SLAPPs at a national level by putting in place legal safeguards and providing support to victims.
“This move by the European Commission to stop SLAPP lawsuits demonstrates important, decisive action,” said Tom Gibson, CPJ’s European Union representative. “However, the initiative needs the support of member states if journalists are going to reap the benefits of greater legal protection against these abusive lawsuits. We are not there yet.”
